In a landmark move aimed at accelerating digital development, the Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MTN Nigeria to deliver a suite of digital transformation initiatives across the state.

Announced during a press briefing in Umuahia on Monday, the deal marks the culmination of months of negotiations between both parties and signals a strategic push by Governor Alex Otti’s administration to position Abia as a tech-enabled innovation hub.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, outlined six key focus areas covered by the agreement, all of which are expected to be rolled out before the end of 2025.

The agreement targets 100% broadband coverage across Abia State, extending high-speed internet access to even the most remote areas. “The first area is full broadband coverage across the entire state,” Kanu said, noting that it would boost connectivity for education, commerce, and civic engagement.

To improve public sector productivity, MTN will finance a device acquisition programme for state employees, enabling them to purchase laptops, smartphones, and Wi-Fi devices.

A focus on digital governance will see MTN deliver cloud computing and IT infrastructure to modernise state operations, enhancing service delivery, transparency, and data management, and a flagship initiative under the MoU is the creation of a Digital Mall—a tech-driven platform designed to support SMEs and informal traders through digital commerce tools and financial inclusion services.

MTN is also expected to deploy 4G and 5G services in Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia, enabling faster, more reliable internet access and laying the groundwork for smart city applications and digital entrepreneurship, and the final component involves building a digital marketplace that integrates e-governance and e-commerce, allowing citizens and businesses to interact more efficiently with government services and tap into wider economic opportunities.

Describing the initiative as “a bold move to position Abia as a digitally enabled economy,” Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his government’s commitment to driving digital inclusion and youth empowerment.

MTN Nigeria CEO Dr. Karl Toriola praised the collaboration as a prime example of public-private synergy.