NCC advocates green telecoms for eco-friendly, sustainable digital infrastructure

*The Nigerian Communications Commission restates its commitment to the Green Telecoms Initiative, and encouraging network operators and other stakeholders to adopt renewable energy solutions over carbon heavy generating sets towards a 50 percent reduction cost of operations

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said the Green Telecoms Initiative promises to propel the country’s digital infrastructure towards sustainable, eco-friendly technologies.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC, at a recent event held, in Lagos, projected that this new-fangled telecoms infrastructure initiative would lead to 50 percent cost reduction for stakeholders, among other benefits.

The Green Conference attracted industry stakeholders and enthusiasts, who discussed key sustainability issues, including the decarbonisation of the telecommunications industry in the West African country.

In attaining this objective, the telecoms sector regulatory Commission restated its commitment to encouraging Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other industry stakeholders to adopt renewable energy solutions over carbon heavy generating sets.

The Commission also noted the move is geared towards cutting operating cost by 30- 50 percent while advancing environmental sustainability in the sector.

Speaking at the Green Conference, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of NCC, explained that embracing the initiative would enable telecommunications operators to achieve the dual purpose of cost reduction while promoting eco-friendly, sustainable operating environment for the West African country.

Telecoms remains backbone of digital economy, says Maida

Dr. Maida, represented at the forum by Mr. Shuaibu Swade, Head of Projects at the Commission, also said: “Nigeria’s telecommunications sector now sits at the critical intersection of connectivity and environmental sustainability.

“As a telecommunications regulator, we stand at the intersection of connectivity and sustainability.”

The EVC/CEO of the Commission further asserted while telecommunications is the backbone of digital economy, but it must also become a backbone of environmental responsibility.

Maida explained: “The expansion of digital infrastructure across Nigeria presents both an opportunity, and a responsibility for the sector to reduce carbon emissions.

“We also wish to put it on record that telecoms operators are increasingly adopting energy‑efficient technologies and renewable‑power base stations as part of the industry’s transition towards greener infrastructure.”

Core objectives of Green Telecoms Initiative

The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC disclosed that part of the objectives of the ongoing initiatives was to promote infrastructure sharing among operators, encouraging renewable energy solutions for telecoms towers, and improving responsible management of electronic waste generated by digital equipment.

Besides, the NCC reportedly, is currently strengthening Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting standards across the telecommunications ecosystem.

The goal, stated the Commission, is to improve transparency and accountability on sustainability practices in the ecosystem.

According to industry stakeholders on the occasion, the future of connectivity must be green, and the time to act and attain this is now.

The telecoms regulators said though digital technologies help to reduce emissions by enabling remote work, digital services and smart solutions could reduce the need for travel, and other carbon‑intensive activities.[ do_widget id=heateor_sss_sharing-2]