*The Nigerian Communications Commission and Rural Electrification Agency sign a Memorandum of Understanding, to align power and telecoms infrastructure to support development of the Nigeria Digital Economy
Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a fresh chapter of stakeholder engagement and collaboration, to align power and telecoms infrastructure to support development of the Nigeria Digital Economy.
ConsumerConnect reports the two organisations particularly partnered to expand telecoms services in rural and underserved communities through renewable energy.
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The development is also aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure while improving connectivity in rural communities.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, affirmed the two organisations formalised their partnership with the signing of an agreement Friday, July 24, 2026, in Abuja, FCT.
Maida disclosed the initiative would connect telecoms base stations to existing and planned renewable energy mini-grids, reducing reliance on diesel generators, improving network reliability, and extending digital services to communities with limited access to electricity.
The EVC/CEO of the telecoms sector regulatory Commission, represented by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS) at NCC, said implementation of the MoU with REA would begin immediately.
The Commissioned noted that both agencies are already identifying mini-grids located within one to two kilometres of telecom sites to realise this objective.
The Executive Vice-Chairman said the joint initiative would maximise existing infrastructure, lower operating costs and support wider digital inclusion by improving mobile connectivity in remote communities across the country.
The collaboration with REA, Maida stated, would maximise existing infrastructure, ensure uninterrupted telecoms services in off-grid areas, and support greater participation in the digital economy.
The NCC Chief Executive further noted that future mini-grid projects would be planned alongside telecoms infrastructure to deliver electricity and digital connectivity to consumers in underserved communities simultaneously.
Abdullahi: MoU with NCC a major shift from separate agency interventions
Speaking at the MoU- signing ceremony, Umar Abdullahi, Executive Director, Technical Services at REA, described the agreement as a major shift from separate agency interventions to a coordinated government approach.
Abdullahi revealed that a joint implementation committee had already been established to identify priority locations, oversee pilot projects, and guide expansion across Nigeria.
The Executive Director, Technical Services at REA explained that one of the first projects under the partnership would migrate diesel-powered telecoms towers to renewable energy supplied through mini-grids, lowering operating costs while improving network coverage.
The collaboration between the NCC and REA is, therefore, expected to strengthen rural connectivity, improve the sustainability of telecommunications infrastructure, and support the emerging Nigeria Digital Economy by integrating clean energy with digital infrastructure development in the ecosystem.