*Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission underlines significance of strengthening stakeholder partnerships for the deployment of sustainable telecoms infrastructure for all consumers in the rural, unserved, and underserved communities in the country

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has restated the significance of strengthening stakeholder partnerships for the deployment of sustainable telecommunications infrastructure in the rural, unserved, and underserved communities in the country.

绿帽献妻 reports Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), stated this in his welcome address delivered at the industry-focused stakeholders鈥� engagement forum of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Lagos.

The Commission disclosed it organised the forum under the auspices of the USPF in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with the support of United Kingdom (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Underscoring the aim of the forum, Dr. Maida noted the engagement with the theme, 鈥淪trengthening Partnership for Sustainable Telecommunication Infrastructure in the Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth鈥�, reflected the industry stakeholders鈥� collective commitment to ensuring equitable access to telecommunications services for all Nigerians, especially those in unserved and underserved communities.

The EVC/CEO also said averred: 鈥淭oday鈥檚 meeting is particularly aimed at bringing key industry stakeholders together to provide valuable insights on strategies that can be adopted to enhance USPF Interventions and serve as a feedback mechanism to build partnerships for Nigeria鈥檚 digital future.

鈥淚t goes without saying that the USPF acknowledges the crucial role of collaboration, strategic partnerships and complementary efforts to achieve sustainable development.鈥�

Besides, Maida affirmed the evolving telecommunications landscape in Nigeria has necessitated innovative and collaborative approaches to ensure long-term viability in delivering connectivity to unserved and underserved populations.

On role of USPF in expanding access to rural areas

Highlighting the efforts of the Commission in supporting increased digital connectivity in the undeserved communities, Dr. Maida said the Nigerian Communications Commission, through USPF, had been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at providing universal access and universal service for telecoms consumers.

鈥淭hese efforts align with broader national and global goals, including bridging the digital divide, promoting universal access, fostering economic growth and social inclusion, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals 鈥楽DGs 4鈥� (Quality Education) and 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

鈥淥ver time, the USPF has successfully implemented several projects under its access and connectivity programmes,鈥� stated he.

According to him, based on the focus of the industry-focused stakeholders鈥� engagement forum, in Lagos, 鈥渋t is important to highlight key connectivity projects such as the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), Backbone Transmission and Infrastructure, among others.鈥�

The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman as well noted that the engagement serves as a vital platform to discuss practical strategies to enhance the impact of these projects through strengthened partnerships.

He further said: 鈥淲ithout doubt, to achieve digital inclusion, government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, development partners, and telecom trade groups must work closely together.鈥�

Highlights of multi-stakeholder approach to digital inclusion

Underlining the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach in attaining the objective of the forum, Maida stated that such an methodology should explore innovative financing models to attract investments in rural telecommunications; leverage emerging technologies and alternative power solutions for sustainable connectivity; and promote policies that incentivise collaborative participation in connectivity projects.

He, therefore, urged all stakeholders to take decisive steps toward strengthening partnerships.

Maida said: 鈥淟et us harness our collective expertise, resources, and innovative capabilities to build a resilient and sustainable telecommunication infrastructure that will empower millions of Nigerians.

鈥淲e must remember that collaboration remains the cornerstone of sustainable development in this sector.鈥�

Call for actionable solutions to drive progress, economic development

The Chief Executive of the Commission also mentioned that stakeholders鈥� solutions 鈥渕ust be tailored to address local challenges/needs and align with current realities鈥� in the country鈥檚 digital ecosystem.

He assured the participants: 鈥淚 am confident that the deliberations from this engagement will lead to actionable solutions that will drive progress, foster economic development, and ultimately transform lives through connectivity in the most remote corners of our nation.鈥�

Maida added: 鈥淭ogether, we can build a future where digital connectivity is a fundamental right, not a privilege.

鈥淟et us remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that no community is left in the digital dark.鈥�

In attendance at the forum are Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE); and Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.

Others are Commissioners of ICT, Chief Executives of organisations and/or their representatives, Management and Staff of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO), Secretary of the USPF, notable industry players, development partners, and trade associations, among others.

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