The federal government has unveiled a twin strategy to open Nigeria’s riverine communities to the global economy by expanding telecommunications coverage and promoting their cultural heritage as a major tourism attraction.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced that all riverine communities across the country would be connected to telecommunications networks before mid-2027.

Similarly, his counterpart in the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the Bini Riva Live cultural festival would be included in her ministry’s annual calendar to attract local and foreign tourists.

The ministers spoke on Sunday at the grand finale of the Bini Riva Live festival in Obighoro, Warri North local government area of Delta State, as part of activities marking the fifth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III.

Tijani, who said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given his ministry the mandate to connect every part of the country, including riverine communities, said 3,700 telecommunications facilities were being installed in rural communities, with Obighoro-Ogheye among the starting points.

He said, “It is important that we ensure that we connect every part of this country, including the riverine communities.

“And as God will have it, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved for my Ministry to ensure that every part of this country is connected.

“This is why we are installing 3,700 in rural communities across the country, and we are starting from Obighoro-Ogheye.

“We are coming back in October to flag off the network that will be here. Before mid-next year, all riverine communities in Nigeria will not only be connected to the rest of the country, but will be connected to the rest of the world at large.” 

He added, “These are communities based in the area that is giving so much to our economy, and we believe there is no money expended on this infrastructure that is not justifiable.

“Mr President has given us the mandate that we must ensure how the national economy can be further boosted through effective communications, and that if the mandate will not be achievable, we should let him know. And that is why we are here”.

Earlier, the national leader of Obighoro community, Dr. Godwin Ebosa, commended the Federal Government delegation for its interest in the socioeconomic development of riverine communities.