The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the deployment of sustainable digital infrastructure across Nigeria through the integration of renewable energy solutions with telecommunications infrastructure.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nnenna Ukoha, the partnership was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the NCC–REA Stakeholder Workshop held at the NCC Annex Office Auditorium in Mbora, Abuja, on Friday, July 24, 2026.
The workshop, themed “Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria,” brought together senior government officials, telecommunications operators, tower companies, renewable energy developers, financiers, development partners and other industry stakeholders to explore practical strategies for expanding digital connectivity through sustainable energy solutions.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, described the collaboration as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to achieve inclusive digital connectivity and improved energy access.
He said reliable electricity and digital connectivity are complementary drivers of economic growth, noting that communities without stable power supply often struggle to sustain telecommunications infrastructure, while those without connectivity are unable to maximise the benefits of electrification.
Oshadami explained that the partnership provides a framework for aligning telecommunications and rural electrification programmes through coordinated planning, shared infrastructure and renewable energy deployment. He disclosed that the REA would provide geospatial data on existing and planned electrification projects, while the NCC would make available information on current and proposed Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) projects to enable both agencies jointly identify areas lacking power and connectivity for targeted interventions.
He added that the collaboration would also explore opportunities to power telecommunications infrastructure, including base stations and fibre repeater sites, through REA’s off-grid renewable energy projects, while encouraging the co-location of telecom infrastructure on REA-developed energy assets where technically feasible. According to him, the initiative is expected to reduce deployment costs, improve operational efficiency and accelerate connectivity in underserved communities.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, represented by the Executive Director, Technical Services, Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, said Nigeria’s digital economy depends on reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure. He noted that renewable energy mini-grids provide a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to diesel-powered telecommunications sites and would create commercially viable opportunities for telecom operators and renewable energy developers.
He emphasised that reliable electricity and universal connectivity should be pursued simultaneously, arguing that integrating both objectives would reduce infrastructure costs while extending services to more communities.
The workshop also featured presentations by the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee on geospatial analysis, pilot project opportunities and implementation strategies, as well as panel discussions on financing models, policy and regulatory issues, and infrastructure planning.
Oshadami urged stakeholders to move beyond expressions of support by identifying practical financing mechanisms, viable commercial models and regulatory frameworks capable of translating the partnership into sustainable, large-scale projects.
The NCC and REA said the collaboration is expected to strengthen infrastructure planning, expand broadband connectivity, promote the adoption of renewable energy in telecommunications networks and support the Federal Government’s digital economy and rural development agenda through resilient and scalable digital infrastructure.
