Nigeria highlights significance of rural access connectivity, inaugurates USPF Board

*Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, affirms the Nigerian Government targets 4,000 communities for rural access connectivity projects designed to deepen digital inclusivity, promote growth, and prosperity in rural communities in the country

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating rural connectivity programmes designed to deepen digital inclusivity, promote growth and prosperity in across the grassroots.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), disclosed this development Friday, March 27, 2026, while speaking during the inauguration of the Governing Board of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

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The USPF was established, and has been under the supervision of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

4,000 rural communities for rural access connectivity programmes

Tijani noted that about 4,000 rural communities in the six geo-political zones of the West African country would benefit from the Federal Government’s ongoing rural access connectivity programmes.

The Minister also said the digital infrastructure projects and programmes were designed to deepen digital inclusivity, promote growth and prosperity in rural communities in Nigeria.

He confirmed that the programmes had commenced already with impressive feedbacks from the rural communities across the country.

Tijani revealed that several telecoms consumers have been uplifted in their businesses, including farmers and artisans due to the ongoing rural connectivity projects.

The programme, he stated, alongside the $2 billion investments in the laying of 15,000 fibre optic cables is designed to recalibrate Nigeria’s ambition to leverage established digital ecosystems for economic transformation, growth and prosperity.

Significance of rural connectivity, by Minister

Underscoring the strategic importance of the rural access connectivity to the emerging Nigeria Digital Economy, Dr. Tijani said any country worth its salt would not be left behind in the present digital age.

According to him, all businesses and services are now connected with digitalisation in the global economy.

He equally who urged newly-inaugurated members of the Governing Board of USPF to perform their responsibilities with zest.

The Minister as well emphasised the need to do more in bridging the rural access connectivity gaps in the country.

Hitherto, attention had been concentrated on urban areas over the years at the expense of the rural communities in Nigeria.

However, with the activation of the rural access, Tijani said the 4,000 communities would be provided with communications towers, and other equipment for Internet connectivity in schools and hospitals.

Focus on intervention programmes in rural communities

Highlighting some of the key mandates of the Fund, Tijani urged the USPF Board to fulfil its constitutional mandate by bridging digital connectivity gaps in the rural communities.

The Minister further charged members of the Governing Board to focus on how intervention programmes are delivered in the rural communities.

According to him, the projects already delivered have created exciting shifts in the rural economy, with consumers’ taking advantage of the digital opportunities in their digital ecosystems.

NCC EVC/CEO lauds inauguration of new USPF Board

Rarlier, in his remarks at inauguration of the new Board of the USPF, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, has expressed delight over the inauguration of the Board.

Maida said the Fund had operated without a governing Board for a long period.

The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman also said the inauguration of the USPF Board would reduce workloads for critical industry stakeholders.

According to him, more grounds would be covered in connecting rural dwellers with Internet services for growth and prosperity.

Speaking at the forum also, Yomi Arowosafe, USPF Board Secretary, congratulated the newly-inaugurated Governing Board.

Arowosafe emphasised the role of the Board could not be overemphasised as they work to deepen digital inclusion, and ensure transparency and effectiveness in digital service delivery to Nigerian consumers.

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