BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has joined forces with the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, to develop renewable energy projects that support connectivity expansion in underserved communities.
Both agencies pledged to deploy energy and telecom infrastructure, just as the Memorandum of Understanding, would create a framework for joint planning, infrastructure sharing and data exchange.
The partnership followed the high operating costs faced by telecom operators especially from dependence on diesel‑powered generators to keep base stations running in areas with unreliable electricity supply.
Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Aminu Maida disclosed this at NCC–REA Stakeholder Workshop in Abuja, with the theme: “Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria”.
Under the agreement, the REA will provide geospatial data on existing and planned electrification projects, while the NCC will share information on broadband deployments under its Universal Service Provision Fund programme.
Maida, who was represented by NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami disclosed that energy availability and digital connectivity were closely linked.
He said: “Reliable electricity and digital connectivity are not two separate development goals. They are mutually reinforcing foundations of the same objective that produces an inclusive and productive economy.”
The VC noted that communities without dependable electricity often struggle to sustain telecom infrastructure, while areas without connectivity cannot fully benefit from electrification initiatives.
Executive Director for Technical Services, REA, Umar Abdullahi Umar hinted that the partnership represents an opportunity to expand the commercial use of renewable energy beyond household electrification projects.
He disclosed that renewable energy mini‑grids could provide a cleaner alternative to diesel‑powered telecom sites while creating new opportunities for energy developers and network operators.
“Reliable power and universal connectivity are not competing priorities. They are the same priority, approached from two directions,” he said.
The workshop which brought together telecom operators, tower companies, renewable energy developers, financiers and government officials, formed part of wider efforts by the Federal Government to expand broadband access, improve rural infrastructure and support the country’s digital economy.
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