CITAD expands internet access to rural farmers in Northern Nigeria

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has inaugurated a new Community Network Centre in the Itas Local Government Area of Bauchi State, aimed at expanding digital access and supporting local communities, especially farmers.

Speaking at the event, Mal. Haruna Adamu Hadejia, CITAD’s National Coordinator for the School of Community Networks, explained that this is the fourth hub established by CITAD, with support from Hello World.

The launch event, held at the residence of the District Head of Itas, saw the community gather to witness the opening of the internet hub, which is equipped to provide households within its range with free internet access for the first year.

Mal. Hadejia stated that the hub is part of CITAD’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide in northern Nigeria.

According to him, “With support from Hello World, the Itas hub is the fourth of 20 planned centres nationwide.”

He highlighted that northern Nigeria significantly trails behind the southern region in terms of digital connectivity, and this initiative aims to close that gap.

Malam Hadejia emphasized, “The hub will enable e-learning, e-commerce, and other digital services, bringing vital digital resources to under-connected communities like Itas.”

He disclosed that farmers stand to benefit from digital platforms that provide real-time access to information on market prices, weather forecasts, and new agricultural practices, which will help improve productivity and income.

Earlier, Mal. Gambo Idris Itas, the Danmasanin Tafidan Katagum and Adviser to CITAD’s Community Champions in Itas LGA, emphasized the importance of the centre to various sectors of the community, particularly farmers, students, and researchers.

He hinted at plans to implement a cost-sharing model after the first year of free service, ensuring the sustainability of the internet service at affordable rates.

“For instance, we will charge N50 for internet access, which is significantly lower than what is charged in city centres, allowing farmers and other users to easily afford it. This will help cover 52% of the subscription cost, with CITAD supporting the remaining 48%,” Mal. Gambo explained.

He urged the community to ensure the security and sustainability of the hub, stressing its potential to transform the local economy by facilitating access to new agricultural techniques and markets.

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The youth leader of Itas LGA, Al-Muneeb Abdul-Nasir Yusuf, expressed his excitement about the project, noting that young people in the area would now have the opportunity to engage in research, software development, and entrepreneurship, while farmers could use the hub to improve their farming methods.

A student representative, Aishatu Auwal Adamu, commended CITAD for alleviating the long-standing challenges of poor network connectivity and high data costs.

She stated that the hub would greatly enhance students’ academic experiences and promised that the community would make the most of the new digital resource.

With four hubs already operational, CITAD plans to establish 16 additional centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones by the end of the year, significantly increasing access to the digital world in underserved communities.