The Federal Government and a consortium of local firms is to install about 1000 automatic teller machines and 5 000 electronic kiosks across all states in the country under a public-private partnership arrangement.

The National Information Technology Development Agency and the Chams Consortium, consisting of Chams Nigeria Limited, Connect Technologies and Platinum Solutions, will install the facilities, in 2008 in all 774 local government departments.

An electronic kiosk is an electronic self-service and information terminal which is integrated to match various customer needs. It provides a comprehensive one-stop shop point for transaction in various products, solutions, and services. It is also fitted with a telephone for voice communications.

Details that emerged on Sunday confirmed that a memorandum of understanding has been signed between NITDA and the Chams Consortium for the implementation of the scheme which is under the Millennium Development Goals framework for Mobile Internet and Outsourcing Solutions (MIOS).

Under the pact, NITDA will provide Mobile Internet Units, which are minivans specially fitted with internet access to the Chams Consortium. Each of the MIUs will house five computers and three kiosks/ATMs to enable the users have the opportunity to browse the internet and also use other complimentary services such as online shopping and make payments electronically.

Director General of NITDA, Prof. Cleopas Angaye, said the relationship aimed to enhance universal access to information and communications technologies in the rural and underserved areas, where the majority of the country's population live.

He said, "The basic objective of the MoU is to provide grater internet awareness nationwide. It involves extending mobile internet units and electronic government services to the rural and underserved areas. The MoU has been signed and it is effective. We have been negotiating for sometime and government will provide technical know-how and political know-how. We have provided the enabling environment. It is a PPP."

Besides, the above facilities, Chams is to deploy one mobile banking unit truck infrastructure in each state in the country and the Federal Capital Territory to facilitate project design, development, implementation and technical support.

Under the MoU, there is room for the provision and deployment of one stationary booth comprising five Chams Access Service terminals, one ATM and three point of sale terminals in each of the 774 local government areas of the federation.

Besides, about 5,000 hundred more terminals would be deployed in hospitals, higher institutions and Federal government's secretariats across the country.

General Manager of Chams Nigeria, Mr. Kazeem Durotoye, said funding the project would be sourced mainly by the Chams Consortium, while NITDA will provide the regulatory framework, location, logistics and access to government electronic services.

He said some of the uses of the platforms include electronic governance services, such as online tax payment, e-passport, registration for national identification, telephony and banking.

He explained that, the direct benefits of the new scheme to the country, is that it will help NITDA achieve its mandate and provide employment for Nigerians. It will also promote rural development in Nigeria and offer new opportunities to the youth to become familiar with the global use of technologies.