*The Nigerian Communications Commission inks an agreement with the Rural Electrification Agency for a strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of sustainable digital infrastructure, and expand connectivity through sustainable energy solutions
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
With the integration of renewable energy solutions and improved telecoms infrastructure in underserved communities, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have formalised a strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of sustainable digital infrastructure across the West African country.
The two organisations consummated the partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NCC–REA Stakeholder Workshop, held Friday, July 24, 2026, at the NCC Annex Office Auditorium, Mbora, Abuja, FCT.
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The NCC disclosed the workshop with the theme: “Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria”, attracted senior government officials, telecoms operators, tower companies, renewable energy developers, financiers, development partners and other industry stakeholders.
The telecoms sector regulatory Commission said the participants explored practical approaches to expanding connectivity through sustainable energy solutions.
Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, described the collaboration as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive towards inclusive digital connectivity and energy access.
Significance of reliable electricity, digital connectivity to productive economy
Maida, represented by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS) of the Commission, 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 EVC/CEO noted that reliable electricity and digital connectivity are mutually reinforcing foundations of an inclusive and productive economy.
He further emphasised that communities without stable power struggle to sustain telecoms infrastructure, while those without connectivity are unable to fully benefit from electrification.
The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC also explained that the partnership establishes a practical framework for aligning telecoms and rural electrification programmes through coordinated planning, shared infrastructure, and renewable energy solutions.
He disclosed that the REA would provide geospatial data on existing and planned electrification projects, while the NCC will share information on existing and planned Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) deployments.
This will enable both institutions to jointly identify connectivity and energy gaps for more effective planning and implementation, stated he.
Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Director of Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission, also stated Dr. Maida explained the collaboration between the NCC and REA would explore opportunities to power telecoms infrastructure, including base stations and fibre repeater sites, through REA’s off-grid renewable energy projects.
He said the move also would encourage the co-location of telecoms infrastructure on REA-developed energy assets where technically feasible.
According to him, the initiative will reduce deployment costs, improve operational efficiency and accelerate connectivity in underserved communities.
Maida stated that the initiative would reduce deployment costs, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate connectivity in underserved communities.
In his remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the REA, represented by Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, Executive Director, Technical Services of the agency, observed that the Nigeria Digital Economy depends on reliable energy infrastructure.
The Managing Director/CEO of REA noted that renewable energy mini grids would provide a cleaner, and more sustainable alternative to diesel-powered telecoms sites.
According to him, the partnership will create commercially viable opportunities for telecoms operators and renewable energy developers alike in the Nigerian economy.
The REA Chief Executive also stated: “Reliable power and universal connectivity are not competing priorities.
“They are the same priority, approached from two directions.
“Where we deliver them together, the cost of each falls and the reach of both extends.”
The Commission revealed the workshop featured presentations by the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee on geospatial analysis, pilot project opportunities, and implementation strategies, alongside panel discussions on financing models, policy and regulatory issues, and infrastructure planning.
Engr. Oshadami, ECTS of NCC, therefore, urged the stakeholders to move beyond broad expressions of support by identifying practical financing mechanisms, commercial models and regulatory measures capable of translating the initiative into sustainable, large-scale projects.
The telecoms regulator affirmed that the MoU represents a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the NCC and the REA towards achieving the Federal Government’s digital economy and rural development objectives.
Through the partnership, both agencies aim to improve infrastructure planning, expand broadband connectivity, promote renewable energy adoption in telecommunications networks and deliver resilient, scalable and sustainable digital infrastructure that will drive socio-economic development across Nigeria, the Director of Public Affairs of NCC noted.