LIVE UPDATES
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have officially established the NCC-REA Collaboration Committee aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s digital and energy inclusion initiatives.
A statement released on Wednesday by the NCC’s acting Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, indicated that this collaboration will prioritize the deployment of renewable energy solutions to support telecommunications infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved regions.
The statement remarked, “The Nigerian Communications Commission has officially launched the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee, symbolizing a significant move towards progressing Nigeria’s digital and energy inclusion goals by developing strategies for renewable energy deployment to enhance telecom infrastructure in Nigeria.”
The inauguration event took place on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja, overseen by the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida.
He was accompanied by the Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, along with senior executives and committee members from both organizations. During the event, Maida characterized the collaboration as a timely strategic alignment with national priorities.
He pointed out that closing the connectivity and power gaps in rural areas is essential for Nigeria’s growth and development.
He underscored that the rising demand for digital services and connected communities presents an opportunity for renewable energy to play a vital role.
Maida further stressed that the partnership transcends infrastructure; it aims to promote inclusion, lessen inequalities, and encourage shared prosperity.
He stated, “Whether it’s supplying power to a base station or enabling children to access digital education, this partnership has the capacity to change lives and bring opportunities closer to the populace.
This initiative is not just about infrastructure; it’s about fostering inclusion, bridging inequalities, and establishing favorable conditions for shared prosperity.”
He also highlighted that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to ensure that no community is overlooked in Nigeria’s energy and digital transformation.
Aliyu, representing the REA, expressed optimism regarding the transformative capacity of this collaboration, saying, “This partnership will unlock sustainable development avenues for millions of Nigerians, particularly in areas lacking conventional infrastructure.”
He added that the collaboration would address both energy and connectivity deficiencies, benefiting those who are presently underserved.
The newly formed NCC-REA Collaboration Committee will focus on co-developing and implementing integrated solutions that utilize renewable energy to power telecommunications sites.
The statement further noted that the committee will also prioritize sharing geospatial data to enhance planning, align funding strategies, and monitor the socio-economic impact of the project using clear performance metrics.
