By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, is advocating for robust collaborations and innovative financing strategies to propel digital inclusion and rural connectivity within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
Maida stressed the importance of a collaborative effort between key stakeholders, including government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, and technology manufacturers, to extend access to underserved areas, during his address at an industry stakeholders’ session.
He underscored the importance of a collective approach, urging industry players to leverage emerging technologies, alternative power solutions, and investment-friendly policies to sustain connectivity efforts.
“To achieve digital inclusion, all critical stakeholders must work together. A multi-stakeholder approach will help explore innovative financing models that attract investment into rural telecommunications,” he said.
Further more, the NCC boss stressed the need for solutions tailored to Nigeria’s local challenges and economic realities, ensuring that digital transformation efforts address connectivity gaps in both urban and rural regions.
He also pointed to the role of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), an NCC initiative aimed at enhancing universal access to telecom services.
Noting that USPF projects have been pivotal in deploying Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and backbone transmission infrastructure, supporting broadband expansion and economic growth. “These initiatives align with global development goals, including Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering economic inclusion.” He said.
Additionally, he urged telecom stakeholders to form strategic partnerships, emphasizing that collaboration is key to sustainable development in the sector. “We must harness our collective expertise, resources, and innovation to build resilient telecommunications infrastructure that will empower millions of Nigerians,” Maida said.
The future of Nigeria’s technological and economic advancement hinges on the industry’s capacity to develop sustainable connectivity solutions and secure long-term investments, as the country’s digital economy continues to expand.
