Communities along rivers require internet access to drive progress, says Nere Emiko

Nere Emiko, the lead promoter of Legacy of Traditions and BINI RIVA Life, is advocating for rapid expansion of digital connectivity in Nigeria's riverine areas, emphasizing the crucial role of telecommunications infrastructure in driving education, healthcare, security, financial inclusion, and economic growth.

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Emiko's appeal comes as the Federal Government's Riverine Connect Initiative, a subset of the National Universal Communication Access Project, aims to deploy 3,700 telecommunications towers to bring digital services to remote riverine settlements.

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This initiative has the potential to revolutionize communities that have been disconnected from Nigeria's digital economy for decades, according to Emiko.

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As noted by Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the project seeks to address connectivity gaps, bolster local economies, enhance emergency response, and expand access to education and healthcare, ultimately promoting inclusive participation in the digital economy.

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Emiko highlights that many riverine communities continue to face significant infrastructure challenges, including subpar telecommunications, unreliable electricity, and costly water transportation, which have deterred investment and limited access to essential services.

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His research in Delta State reveals that poor transportation and weak network coverage contribute to teacher absenteeism and low student attendance in riverine schools, stressing the need for reliable internet connectivity to ensure equal educational opportunities.

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As Nigeria increasingly adopts computer-based examinations, Emiko underscores the importance of internet connectivity in promoting equal access to education.

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The healthcare challenges in riverine communities are also a major concern, with limited health facilities and transportation difficulties hindering access to emergency and specialist medical services, affecting maternal healthcare and the wellbeing of vulnerable residents.

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Economically, Emiko notes that fishing remains the primary livelihood in many coastal communities, but inadequate infrastructure prevents fishermen and traders from accessing broader markets and financial services.

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Improved connectivity, he argues, would facilitate digital payments, financial inclusion, and business growth, ultimately boosting local economies.

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Emiko also emphasizes the national security implications of poor communication infrastructure in riverine areas, many of which host strategic oil and gas assets, and argues that better telecommunications would strengthen surveillance and enhance emergency response.

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Describing connectivity as the foundation for future development, Emiko commends the Federal Government for introducing the Riverine Connect Initiative, which he believes will stimulate investments in digital education, technology-driven businesses, financial services, tourism, and entrepreneurship.

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The pilot launch of the initiative, scheduled for the BINI RIVA Life event on the Benin River in August 2026, is expected to have a transformative impact on underserved riverine communities, according to Emiko.

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He urges governments, telecommunications operators, development partners, and community leaders to collaborate and ensure that every underserved riverine community benefits from digital infrastructure, viewing the initiative as a vital step toward inclusive national development.