*Yomi Arowosafe, Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund of the Nigerian Communications Commission, commends the International Telecommunication Union and United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for collaboration with the Nigerian Government, and commitment to deepening rural connectivity for socio-economic development of the country

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Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has commended the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO), for their collaboration with the Nigerian Government to deepen rural connectivity for socio-economic development of the country.

Arowosafe gave the commendation at an Industry-focused Stakeholders Engagement Session, which the Fund organised Friday, March 14, 2025, in Lagos, in collaboration with the UK-FCDO and the ITU.

The session built on USPF鈥檚 ongoing efforts to facilitate the achievement of wide network connectivity coverage in unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.

Gracing the event in Lagos, were Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Faruk Yabo;聽 and Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida.

Others are Chief Executives of telecommunications companies, State ICT Commissioners, notable industry players, trade associations, development partners, key speakers, distinguished guests and staff of both NCC and the USPF.

Dr. Tijani spoke on the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to providing the enabling policy directions and initiatives towards ensuring greater connectivity, and transforming the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

In his address on the occasion, Dr. Maida, EVC/CEO of NCC, also emphasised the Commission鈥檚 resolve to continue to back all USPF projects through effective regulatory measures that help in accelerating deployment of necessary digital infrastructure that support the achievement of the Federal Government’s priority areas and ministerial blueprint.

Speaking at the event, Arowosafe further said the stakeholder engagement reflected the USPF鈥檚 shared vision and commitment to expanding inclusive connectivity and that the presence of all other stakeholders at the event underscored the vital role of collaboration in achieving the goal.

The USPF Secretary said the theme of this workshop, 鈥淔ostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth鈥�, highlighted the government鈥檚 dedication to bridging the digital divide.

According to him, this aligns with the NCC鈥檚 Strategic Focus Areas, the Ministry鈥檚 Strategic Blueprint, and Presidential Priority Areas.

He also stated: 鈥淭ogether, we have the power to create sustainable and inclusive pathways to ensure no community is left behind.

“Achieving this requires strong partnerships among government, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), development partners, and community leaders.

“By sharing insights and resources, we can design tailored solutions that address both immediate and long-term connectivity challenges.”

Arowosafe noted that prior to the session, the USPF had gathered inputs from stakeholders through questionnaires.

He said the responses obtained shaped the panel discussions, focused on key strategies to foster connectivity through collaboration and partnerships, strengthen capacity building and security, and explore innovative funding mechanisms for sustainable connectivity.

The engagement, the USPF Scribe said, offered a platform for robust dialogue and practical solutions that address our unique challenges, and help improve telecoms access in underserved regions.

He encouraged participants to actively participate, share their expertise, and contribute to shaping outcomes that will strengthen the country’s digital ecosystem and improve the lives of all Nigerians.

Arowosafe added: 鈥淭his event marks the beginning of a collective journey toward a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria.

“USPF is proud to lead this effort, and we look forward to what we can accomplish together.”

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