Digital Economy: NCC restates commitment to universal connectivity for all Nigerians

*Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission, at a recent event in Lagos, highlights efforts of the telecoms sector regulatory Commission at ensuring that all Nigerians access to ‘universal and meaningful connectivity’ in the digital space

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

‎The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured telecoms consumers, and Nigerians at large of access to universal and meaningful connectivity in the country’s digital ecosystem.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, affirmed this at the recent Rural Connectivity Summit, organised by the Rural Connectivity Initiative, held in Lagos.

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Maida, in his keynote address at the event, titled: “Leaving Nobody Behind: Leveraging Regulatory Advantages to Bridge Nigeria’s Digital Divide”, also emphasised that the disparity in access to connectivity remains one of the biggest obstacles to inclusive development in the country’s digital ecosystem.

The EVC/CEO of the telecoms sector regulatory Commission, in his presentation, also reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to ensuring universal and meaningful connectivity for all Nigerian consumers.

The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman as well advocated a collective action among government, operators, other industry stakeholders, and communities to protect telecoms assets, expand Broadband infrastructure with a view to unlocking the economic potential of rural Nigeria.

Insight into Internet access in rural communities

Highlighting the current level of digital connectivity in the hinterland across Nigeria, Maida disclosed that only 23 percent of rural communities have access to the Internet.

He, however, noted that this development compared to 57 percent in the urban areas in the country.

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According to him, the situation has continued to widen the age-old digital divide in Nigeria.

In regard to addressing the realities on access, the Chief Executive of NCC said without “deliberate intervention”, millions of Nigerian consumers would remain excluded from education, healthcare, and economic opportunities that largely digital connectivity on modern times.

The lack of connectivity in rural areas is not just a development issue but a national security concern, stated he.

Maida explained: “A community without digital connectivity is functionally invisible, cut off from modern education, healthcare, markets, and opportunity.

“This ‘digital invisibility’ is an unacceptable situation we must act decisively to end.”

Nigeria records 48.81 percent Broadband penetration, says Maida

Highlighting the country’s Broadband connectivity, the EVC/CEO of NCC stated: “Nigeria’s Broadband penetration currently stands at 48.81 percent, and research has shown that a 10 percent increase in Broadband penetration can boost a country’s GDP by up to 1.38 percent.

“This shows clearly that connectivity is not just about speed, but about economic growth and national development.”

‎The telecoms regulatory Commission as well noted its Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), has continued to implement targeted interventions to expand digital access in underserved and unserved communities across the country over time.

Maida disclosed the Commission’s efforts at advancing connectivity, and said: “Through programmes, such as the Rural Broadband Initiative, RUBI, and the Accelerated Mobile Phone Expansion, AMPE, we are supporting infrastructure deployment in commercially non-viable areas.

According to him, the USPF has also implemented over 2,500 education projects and delivered over 100,000 computers to schools nationwide.”

‎Besides, he stated that the Commission’s e-health and accessibility projects are connecting remote health centres with larger hospitals for telemedicine, and providing assistive technologies for persons with disabilities.

On support of state governments on Right of Way

Maida equally commended the efforts of the state governments as subnational entities that have supported the progress recorded on Right-of-Way (RoW) charges.

He said: “We appreciate the 11 states that have adopted zero RoW charges and the 17 others that implemented the N145 per linear metre benchmark.

“We continue to urge other states to align with this policy to lower deployment costs and accelerate broadband rollout.”

As regards burning and recurring issue of vandalism, the Executive Vice-Chairman expressed concern over the increasing attacks on the critical telecoms infrastructure in the communications sector of the economy.

He stated: “Between January and August 2025 alone, operators recorded more than 19,000 fibre cuts and over 3,000 cases of equipment theft.

“These acts not only delay service delivery but also erode investments and affect the quality of experience for millions of Nigerians.”

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