Riverine communities need digital connectivity to unlock devt — Nere Emiko

By Juliet Umeh

LEAD promoter of Legacy of Traditions and BINI RIVA Life, Nere Emiko, has called for accelerated digital connectivity in Nigeria’s riverine communities, describing telecommunications infrastructure as essential for improving education, healthcare, security, financial inclusion and economic development.

Emiko made the appeal while highlighting the Federal Government’s Riverine Connect Initiative, a sub-project of the National Universal Communication Access Project, NUCAP, aimed at extending digital services to remote riverine settlements through the planned deployment of 3,700 telecommunications towers.
According to him, the initiative has the potential to transform communities that have remained disconnected from Nigeria’s digital economy for decades. Citing the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Emiko said the project is designed to bridge connectivity gaps, strengthen local economies, improve emergency response, expand access to education and healthcare, and promote inclusive participation in the digital economy.

He noted that many riverine communities still face serious infrastructure challenges, including poor telecommunications, unreliable electricity and costly water transportation, factors that have discouraged investment and limited access to essential services.

Drawing from his research in Delta State, Emiko said poor transportation and weak network coverage contribute to teacher absenteeism and low student attendance in riverine schools. He stressed that as Nigeria increasingly adopts computer-based examinations, reliable internet connectivity has become essential for ensuring equal educational opportunities.

Emiko also highlighted the healthcare challenges confronting riverine communities, where limited health facilities and transportation difficulties hinder access to emergency and specialist medical services, affecting maternal healthcare and the wellbeing of vulnerable residents.

Economically, he observed that fishing remains the primary livelihood in many coastal communities, yet inadequate infrastructure prevents fishermen and traders from accessing broader markets and financial services. Improved connectivity, he said, would encourage digital payments, financial inclusion and business growth.

He further emphasized the national security implications of poor communication infrastructure in riverine areas, many of which host strategic oil and gas assets. Better telecommunications, he argued, would strengthen surveillance, enhance emergency response and help protect critical national infrastructure.

Describing connectivity as the foundation for future development, Emiko commended the Federal Government for introducing the Riverine Connect Initiative. He expressed optimism that its pilot launch during the BINI RIVA Life event on the Benin River in August 2026 would stimulate investments in digital education, technology-driven businesses, financial services, tourism and entrepreneurship.

He urged governments, telecommunications operators, development partners and community leaders to work together to ensure every underserved riverine community benefits from digital infrastructure, describing the initiative as a transformative step toward inclusive national development.

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