NCC Calls for Joint Effort to Boost Digital Inclusion in Nigeria
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, development partners, and telecom trade groups to collaborate closely to achieve digital inclusion across the nation.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, made this call at the Industry-Focused Stakeholders’ Engagement Session of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) held in Lagos.
The session aimed to gather key industry stakeholders to provide insights on strategies to enhance USPF interventions and foster partnerships for Nigeria’s digital future.
Dr. Maida noted that the evolving telecommunications landscape requires innovative and collaborative approaches to ensure connectivity for unserved and underserved populations.
He stated that the NCC, through the USPF, has been leading initiatives to provide universal access and service, aligning with national and global goals, including bridging the digital divide, promoting universal access, fostering economic growth, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education) and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
According to him, the USPF has successfully implemented projects under its access and connectivity programs, including the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and Backbone Transmission and Infrastructure.
Dr. Maida said the engagement provided a platform to discuss strategies to enhance the impact of these projects through strengthened partnerships.
“To achieve digital inclusion, government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, development partners, and telecom trade groups must work closely together,” he said.
“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 and Promote policies that incentivize collaborative participation in connectivity projects.”
He called on all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships. “Let us harness our 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.”
