, through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), has called for stronger collaborations){kind=link}
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), has called for stronger collaborations between government agencies, private sector players, and development partners to bridge the nation’s digital divide.
Speaking at an industry-focused stakeholder engagement session in Lagos, Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable telecommunications infrastructure in underserved communities.
“This engagement serves as a vital platform to discuss practical strategies to enhance the impact of our connectivity projects,” Maida stated.
“To achieve digital inclusion, government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, and development partners must work closely together.”
The session, themed “Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Telecommunication Infrastructure in the Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,” was held in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO).
Maida highlighted key projects driven by the USPF, including the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and backbone transmission infrastructure.
He also called for innovative financing models, alternative power solutions, and policy incentives to drive connectivity in rural areas.
Government’s commitment to digital expansion
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding digital access across Nigeria.
“Over the last 25 years, Nigeria has made significant strides in broadband penetration, bringing millions online,” Tijani said.
“However, many rural communities still lack reliable connectivity, limiting their economic and social potential.”
The minister outlined key government initiatives aimed at closing this digital gap, including:
Project BRIDGE – A 90,000km fiber optic expansion project.
Project 774 – High-speed connectivity for every local government secretariat.
Universal Access Project – Targeting 20 million unconnected Nigerians.
National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN) – A multi-stakeholder effort to expand broadband access.
The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program – Developing a skilled digital workforce.
Tijani stressed that bridging the digital divide requires collective action. “Sustainable progress demands partnerships across the public and private sectors, development agencies, civil society, and local communities,” he said.
Call to action
Both Maida and Tijani urged stakeholders to take decisive steps toward digital inclusion.
“Our solutions must align with local realities,” Maida emphasized. “We must harness our collective expertise, resources, and innovation to build a resilient telecom infrastructure that empowers millions of Nigerians.”
Tijani echoed this sentiment, calling for a focus on community engagement, leveraging existing infrastructure, capacity building, and sustainable solutions.
“Together, with strategic investments and enabling policies, we can achieve universal digital access for all Nigerians by 2030,” he concluded.
The event brought together top industry players, policymakers, trade associations, and international development partners, all aligning efforts to ensure that no Nigerian community remains in the digital dark.