By Nkechi Eze
In a landmark step towards bridging the digital and energy divide in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have jointly inaugurated the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee. The initiative is aimed at developing strategic frameworks for the deployment of renewable energy solutions to support telecommunications infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved parts of the country.
The inauguration ceremony, which held on Friday, 27th June 2025, at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja, was presided over by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida. He was joined by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Mr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, along with top executives and members of the newly formed committee from both institutions.
In his remarks, Dr. Maida described the collaboration as a timely and strategic convergence of two national priorities—digital connectivity and sustainable energy access. He noted that telecommunications infrastructure cannot function optimally without reliable power, while renewable energy solutions, on the other hand, benefit from the demand generated by expanded digital access. According to him, the synergy between both sectors creates an opportunity for transformational impact, particularly in communities that have historically been excluded from mainstream development.
“Whether it is powering a base station or enabling a child to access digital learning, this partnership has the potential to transform realities and bring opportunity closer to the people,” Dr. Maida said. He emphasized that the collaboration goes beyond infrastructure, as it is fundamentally about driving inclusion, bridging inequalities, and creating the conditions for shared prosperity.
Dr. Maida further stated that the partnership supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that it reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in Nigeria’s journey towards digital and energy transformation. He charged members of the committee to carry out their responsibilities with clarity of purpose, a mindset for innovation, and a shared determination to achieve tangible results.
On his part, the Managing Director of the REA, Mr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, expressed strong optimism about the impact the collaboration could have in advancing sustainable development. He reaffirmed the REA’s commitment to working closely with the NCC to deliver real solutions to communities currently underserved by both energy and digital infrastructure. According to him, the integrated approach will help create opportunities for millions of Nigerians living beyond the reach of traditional systems.
The NCC–REA Collaboration Committee has been tasked with jointly designing and implementing integrated solutions that will leverage renewable energy to power telecom sites across the country. The committee will also work to improve planning by sharing geospatial data, align funding mechanisms to support implementation, and develop performance indicators to measure the socio-economic impact of its initiatives.
This partnership is expected to serve as a model for inter-agency cooperation and collaborative governance. It reflects a growing recognition that Nigeria’s development challenges require unified action across institutions. By combining their expertise, resources, and mandates, the NCC and REA are positioning themselves at the forefront of a nationwide effort to expand access to digital tools and clean energy, particularly in marginalized communities.
