The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), through its Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), has called for increased collaboration between the government, private sector, and development organizations to improve digital connectivity across Nigeria.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement session in Lagos, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Dr. Aminu Maida, stressed the importance of collaboration in expanding telecommunications infrastructure, especially in underserved areas.
“This gathering provides an opportunity to discuss practical solutions to enhance the impact of our connectivity projects,” Maida stated. “To achieve digital inclusion, government agencies, network operators, infrastructure providers, and development partners must work closely together.”
The event, themed “Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Telecommunication Infrastructure in the Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,” was organized in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO).
Maida highlighted several key USPF projects aimed at improving connectivity, including the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and backbone transmission infrastructure. He also called for innovative financing models, alternative energy solutions, and supportive policies to accelerate digital expansion in rural communities.
In his remarks, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing digital access. While acknowledging Nigeria’s significant progress in broadband penetration over the past 25 years, he noted that many rural areas still lack reliable connectivity, limiting their economic and social opportunities.
To bridge this gap, the government has launched several initiatives, including:
- Project BRIDGE – A 90,000km fiber optic network expansion.
- Project 774 – High-speed internet for all local government headquarters.
- Universal Access Project – Connecting 20 million unserved Nigerians.
- National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN) – A multi-stakeholder initiative to expand broadband access.
- 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Program – Training young Nigerians for digital jobs.
Tijani emphasized that bridging the digital divide requires a collective effort. “Sustainable progress depends on partnerships across the public and private sectors, development agencies, and local communities,” he stated.
Both Maida and Tijani urged stakeholders to take concrete steps toward achieving universal digital access. “Our solutions must be tailored to local realities,” Maida noted. “By leveraging our combined expertise and resources, we can build a robust telecom infrastructure that benefits millions of Nigerians.”
Tijani echoed this view, stressing the need for community engagement, strategic investments, and long-term policies. “With the right approach, we can ensure that every Nigerian has access to digital opportunities by 2030,” he concluded.
The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and international development partners, all working towards a common goal—ensuring that no Nigerian community is left without digital access.
