Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida.

The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC has made a strong case for the adoption of a multi-stakeholder approach towards achieving digital inclusion, especially for the unserved and underserved rural communities.

Speaking at a one-day industry-focused stakeholders’ engagement session organised under the auspices of the Universal Service Provision Fund USPF in collaboration with the International Communications Union ITU and supported by the UK FCDO, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida noted that it had become expedient for government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, development partners, and telecom trade groups to work closely together in order to achieve digital inclusion.

The theme of the engagement is: ‘Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Telecommunication Infrastructure in the Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,’ reflects our collective commitment to ensuring equitable access to telecommunications services for all Nigerians, especially those in unserved and underserved communities.’

He further observed that the evolving telecommunications landscape necessitates innovative and collaborative approaches to ensure long-term viability in delivering connectivity to unserved and underserved populations.

“Without doubt, to achieve digital inclusion, government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, development partners, and telecom trade groups must work closely together.

“It is for this reason that a multi-stakeholder approach is essential to explore innovative financing models to attract investment in rural telecommunications, leverage emerging technologies and alternative power solutions for sustainable connectivity, promote policies that incentivise collaborative participation in connectivity projects”, Maida said.

It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to this pivotal stakeholder engagement event, organised under the auspices of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in collaboration with the ITU and supported by the UK FCDO. This engagement, themed: ‘Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Telecommunication Infrastructure in the Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,’

According to him, the theme of stakeholder engagement event, which he described as pivotal reflects the collective commitment of the Commission in particular and the Nigerian government as a whole towards ensuring equitable access to telecommunications services for all Nigerians, especially those in unserved and underserved communities.

He said: “Today’s meeting is particularly aimed at bringing key industry stakeholders together to provide valuable insights on strategies that can be adopted to enhance USPF Interventions and serve as a feedback mechanism to build partnerships for Nigeria’s digital future. It goes without saying that the USPF acknowledges the crucial role of collaboration, strategic partnerships and complementary efforts to achieve sustainable development.

“The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, through the USPF, has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at providing universal access and universal service. These efforts align with broader national and global goals, including bridging the digital divide, promoting universal access, fostering economic growth and social inclusion, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals “SDGs 4” (Quality Education) and 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

“Over time, the USPF has successfully implemented several projects under its access and connectivity programmes. Given the focus of this event, it is important to highlight key connectivity projects such as the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), Backbone Transmission and Infrastructure, amongst others. This engagement serves as a vital platform to discuss practical strategies to enhance the impact of these projects through strengthened partnerships.”

He therefore urged all the stakeholders to take decisive steps toward strengthening partnerships with a view to harnessing everyone’s collective expertise, resources, and innovative capabilities to build a resilient and sustainable telecommunication infrastructure that will empower millions of Nigerians. “We must remember that collaboration remains the cornerstone of sustainable development in this sector. Crucially, I must mention that our solutions must be tailored to address local challenges/needs and align with current realities.

“I am confident that the deliberations from this engagement will lead to actionable solutions that will drive progress, foster economic development, and ultimately transform lives through connectivity in the most remote corners of our nation”, the NCC-boss further assured.

Meanwhile, Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bsun Tijani, who also made remarks at the event, observed that Nigeria has in the last 25 years made significant strides in expanding connectivity and strengthening our digital technology infrastructure.

According to him, in recent years, broadband penetration has been growing significantly, bringing millions of more Nigerians online and enabling new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion.

The Minister however regretted, there are still millions of Nigerians on the fringes of digital transformation who are yet to have access to reliable connectivity. He also noted that many communities—particularly rural areas—face significant barriers, including inadequate infrastructure and limited digital literacy, which gaps not only hinder personal and business growth but also limit the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy.

 “The Federal Government’s mission is to extend connectivity to these communities. By supporting infrastructure expansion, fostering local innovation, and driving inclusive policies, the USPF aligns with the government’s goal of enabling meaningful and affordable connectivity for all Nigerians.

“Through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the Federal Government, is also actively driving transformative projects aimed at unlocking digital opportunities for millions of Nigerians. Some of our flagship initiatives to close this divide include: Project BRIDGE (90,000km Fibre Optic Expansion) which is designed to significantly improve broadband penetration across Nigeria by extending fibre optic infrastructure to all regions.”, the Minister said.