NEWS
Abia Moves Closer to 100% Network Coverage as MTN Activates 77% of New Sites
The Abia State Government has announced significant progress in its ongoing partnership with MTN Nigeria to achieve near-total voice and data network coverage across the state, with 77 per cent of newly deployed network sites now fully operational.
The development was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, on Monday, August 31, 2026, while briefing pressmen at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by State Governor, Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.
According to the Commissioner, the partnership with MTN is already transforming telecommunications access in several parts of Abia, particularly communities that previously experienced poor or limited network connectivity.
He explained that the activation of the newly deployed sites has expanded access to telecommunications services, enabling more residents to enjoy improved voice calls and faster, more reliable data connectivity.
The Commissioner noted that the progress represents an important step towards the state’s broader objective of ensuring that residents, businesses and communities can remain connected regardless of their location.
However, he raised concerns over the vandalisation of some newly deployed network sites and fibre infrastructure, particularly in parts of Aba. He said the destruction of the facilities had slowed down efforts to achieve the almost 100 per cent coverage recorded before the incidents occurred.
“MTN Nigeria is working assiduously to regain the almost 100 per cent coverage that was achieved a few weeks ago before the vandalisation of most of the new sites,” Prince Kanu stated.
Among the locations benefiting from the newly deployed telecommunications infrastructure are Aba-Umuahia Road in Isiala Ngwa South, Umuako Health Centre in Isiala Ngwa North, St. Theresa’s School axis in Umuahia South, Oso ndi-Ikpo-Ndagbo-Nkporo in Ohafia, Umuozo Community Aba, Ikeduru Street in Aba, Osisioma and Isiaku Primary Health Centre in Alayi.
The expansion is expected to have a wider impact beyond individual connectivity, with improved telecommunications services capable of supporting commercial activities, digital businesses, education, healthcare, financial services and other technology-driven opportunities across the state.
Prince Kanu therefore appealed to residents and communities to regard the network facilities as valuable public infrastructure and protect them from vandalism.
“These communication and network assets are being installed for the use and convenience of Abians and residents.
“We therefore urge communities to take ownership and help protect them from vandalism,” Prince said.
He stressed that the protection of the infrastructure would be crucial to sustaining the gains already recorded and ensuring that communities do not lose access to services that have only recently become available.
The Commissioner expressed confidence that MTN would restore the affected sites in the coming weeks, paving the way for Abia to return to its targeted 100 per cent network coverage.
“The belief is that in the coming weeks, we will go back to 100 per cent coverage, so that in every part of Abia State where you are, you will be able to make use of the internet, both voice and data. This is a project that is expected to redefine the business landscape of the state,” the Commissioner said.
The state government’s partnership with MTN is consequently being positioned as more than a telecommunications expansion project, with the expected full coverage set to strengthen digital connectivity and create a more favourable environment for businesses, investo
rs and residents across Abia.