Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC
NCC Urges Stronger Partnerships, Innovative Financing to Boost Digital Inclusion in Nigeria
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, has called for stronger partnerships and innovative financing models to drive digital inclusion and rural connectivity in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry. Speaking at an industry stakeholders’ session, Maida emphasized the need for collaboration among government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, and technology manufacturers to expand access to underserved areas.
Maida highlighted 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 stated.
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.
Maida noted 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 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.
As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to grow, the industry’s ability to develop sustainable connectivity solutions and attract long-term investment will play a critical role in shaping the nation’s technological and economic future.
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