In a major boost to Adamawa’s digital transformation agenda, Globacom Limited (Glo) has signaled strong interest in forging a strategic partnership with the state government to expand broadband infrastructure, enhance e-governance services, and drive inclusive digital innovation across rural and urban communities.
The development emerged from sideline discussions held in the “Investment Deal Rooms” at the ongoing ATCON Strategic Stakeholders’ Meeting on Critical National Information Infrastructure, currently taking place in Abuja. The deal rooms (facilitated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with the World Bank) are designed to foster direct engagement between state governments and key telecom investors under the framework of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) program.
Dr. Hammajam Ahmed Adamu, Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on ICTs, E-Governance, and Policy, who leads the Adamawa delegation, confirmed that Glo officials expressed readiness to scale up investments in the state, particularly in fiber optic deployment, last-mile connectivity, and support for smart city initiatives.
“This was a highly productive conversation,” Dr. Hammajam said. “Glo recognizes the strategic importance of Adamawa as a growing hub in Nigeria’s North-East region. They are keen to partner with us on infrastructure rollout, digital literacy programs, and public service digitization (all aligned with national SABER reforms).”
He added that Glo’s potential investment would be anchored on the improved regulatory environment in Adamawa, including the state’s commitment to cap Right-of-Way (RoW) fees at ₦0 per linear meter and to publish all RoW application procedures and approvals online (key requirements under Disbursement Linked Indicator 2 (DLI 2) of the SABER program).
The NCC-World Bank–led deal rooms are specifically structured to fast-track implementation of these reforms by connecting compliant states with willing investors. States that demonstrate policy alignment and institutional readiness, like Adamawa, are being prioritized for bilateral investment conversations.
Also present during the discussion were Dr. Bello Abubakar Song, SABER Focal Person for Adamawa State; Mr. Halilu Malabu, Director-General of the Adamawa State Investment Promotion Agency (ADIPA); and Mr. Sam John of the Adamawa State Urban Planning and Development Board (ASUPDB).
ADIPA’s DG welcomed the development, stating: “This is exactly the kind of private sector engagement we are working to attract. A partnership with a major operator like Glo will accelerate job creation, improve internet affordability, and position Adamawa as a digital frontier in the region.”
Glo’s representatives highlighted their interest in collaborating on:
- Deployment of high-capacity fiber rings across major urban centers including Yola, Numan, Mubi, and Gombi.
- Establishment of community digital access points to bridge the digital divide.
- Support for state-led e-services platforms, including land administration, tax collection, and health information systems.
The discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with a technical working group to be convened by the Ministry of ICT to develop a formal roadmap for engagement.
This emerging partnership underscores the growing investor confidence in Adamawa’s reform trajectory and reinforces the state government’s vision of building a resilient, connected, and digitally empowered society.