Key industry leaders and government officials gathered in Lagos for the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) Stakeholders’ Engagement Session, emphasizing the urgent need for collaborative efforts to expand telecommunication infrastructure to Nigeria’s unserved and underserved communities.
Themed “Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Telecommunication Infrastructure in the Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,” the session brought together major stakeholders in the ICT sector, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO).
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, in his welcome address, underscored the importance of partnerships in bridging Nigeria’s digital divide. He emphasized that sustainable connectivity could only be achieved through a multi-stakeholder approach involving government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, and development partners.
“The evolving telecommunications landscape necessitates innovative and collaborative approaches to ensure long-term viability in delivering connectivity to unserved and underserved populations,” Maida stated.
He highlighted the achievements of the USPF, including the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and Backbone Transmission Infrastructure, but noted that more investment and policy support were needed to reach the most remote areas.
The NCC boss called for: Innovative financing models to attract investment in rural telecommunications.
“Emerging technologies and alternative power solutions to ensure sustainable connectivity.
Policies that incentivize collaborative participation in connectivity projects.
“I urge all stakeholders to take decisive steps toward strengthening partnerships. Let us harness our collective expertise, resources, and innovative capabilities to build a resilient and sustainable telecommunication infrastructure that will empower millions of Nigerians,” Maida concluded.
In his remarks, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to achieving universal connectivity. He noted that despite significant progress in broadband penetration, millions of Nigerians—especially in rural areas—remain disconnected.
“These gaps not only hinder personal and business growth but also limit the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy,” the minister said.
Dr. Tijani outlined several flagship government initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide, including:Project BRIDGE – A 90,000km fibre optic expansion project to improve broadband penetration across Nigeria.
Project 774 – High-speed connectivity for every local government secretariat in Nigeria to drive grassroots digital transformation.
The Universal Access Project – Targeted at connecting over 20 million Nigerians currently without digital services.
The National Broadband Alliance of Nigeria (NBAN) – A multi-stakeholder effort to enhance broadband access nationwide.
The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme – Designed to develop a skilled workforce to support Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
“These projects are not just about infrastructure; they are about enabling businesses, empowering individuals, and unlocking the full economic potential of Nigeria’s digital landscape as we work towards a $1 trillion economy,” Tijani said.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts, the minister stressed that bridging Nigeria’s digital divide cannot be achieved by the government alone. He called for robust partnerships across the public and private sectors, development agencies, and local communities.
To ensure sustainable progress, he proposed four key pillars for collaboration: Community Engagement – Understanding local needs to ensure solutions are relevant, accessible, and scalable.
“Leveraging Existing Infrastructure – Maximizing the value of current networks, public facilities, and energy sources for cost-effective deployment.
Capacity Building – Integrating digital literacy, skills training, and entrepreneurship development into connectivity strategies.
Sustainable Solutions – Exploring innovative business models, alternative energy solutions, and localized interventions for long-term success.
“We stand at a defining moment in Nigeria’s digital transformation. We have the vision, the policy framework, and the will to connect every Nigerian to the digital economy. But we need your partnership to deliver on these plans,” Tijani asserted.
The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s goal to achieve universal digital access and literacy for all Nigerians by 2030.
“As we focus on investment in last-mile connectivity, capacity building, and infrastructure development, let us work together to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the digital revolution,” he concluded.
The stakeholder session ended with commitments from industry players to strengthen collaborations and explore innovative solutions for expanding Nigeria’s digital reach.
