The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have officially launched a joint initiative to improve digital and energy access in rural communities across Nigeria. This was made known in a statement released by Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, the acting Head of Public Affairs at NCC, on Wednesday.
The new body, known as the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee, was inaugurated on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the NCC headquarters in Abuja. The aim of this committee is to find new ways to use renewable energy to support telecom infrastructure, especially in parts of the country where there is little or no access to power or internet services.
The inauguration event was led by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, and attended by the Managing Director of the REA, Abba Aliyu, along with top officials and committee members from both agencies.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Maida described the partnership as an important step toward reducing the gap in both electricity supply and internet connectivity in Nigeria’s rural areas. He said the collaboration is a response to the growing demand for digital services and better living standards in hard-to-reach communities.
Dr Maida said, “Whether it is powering a base station or enabling a child to access digital learning, this partnership has the potential to transform realities and bring opportunity closer to the people.” He explained that the goal is not just about building infrastructure, but also about fostering inclusion, bridging inequality, and ensuring shared prosperity across all regions of the country.
He added that the project fits well with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is focused on ensuring that no community is left behind in Nigeria’s push for digital and energy transformation.
In his remarks, REA’s Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, expressed confidence that the partnership would open new doors for millions of Nigerians, especially those living in areas that are currently disconnected from the national grid and digital networks.
He said, “This partnership will unlock sustainable development opportunities for millions of Nigerians, especially those in areas lacking traditional infrastructure.” He also noted that bridging the gap in both power supply and telecom access would improve education, health services, business opportunities, and social inclusion.
The committee’s duties will include co-developing and implementing solutions that use solar power and other renewable energy sources to run telecom sites like base stations, network towers, and data hubs. These solutions are expected to improve connectivity and help mobile network operators reduce their dependence on expensive diesel generators.
According to the NCC’s statement, the committee will also focus on sharing geospatial data to improve planning and make sure resources are properly directed to the communities that need them most. In addition, the collaboration will look at aligning funding models, attracting private investment, and measuring the social and economic benefits of the project through clear performance indicators.
The joint efforts by NCC and REA come at a time when the Nigerian government is placing more emphasis on expanding infrastructure to rural communities. Many parts of the country still lack stable electricity and mobile network coverage, and this limits access to education, healthcare, and financial services.
Both the NCC and REA have stated their commitment to addressing these issues, using innovation and smart partnerships to improve the lives of Nigerians in underserved areas. The new committee is expected to begin its work immediately, with regular updates to be provided on the progress of the initiative.
By using clean energy to power digital infrastructure, the government hopes to reduce environmental pollution, cut operational costs, and bring Nigeria closer to meeting its national and international climate goals.
This partnership also reflects growing recognition that energy and internet access are essential parts of modern development. Without reliable power and connectivity, communities are unable to benefit fully from digital technology, education platforms, healthcare innovations, and e-commerce opportunities.
As Nigeria continues to work toward achieving universal broadband coverage and 24-hour electricity access, the NCC–REA partnership is seen as a promising step forward. Experts believe that initiatives like this could serve as a model for other African countries looking to combine energy and digital development in one strategy.
The coming months will be crucial in determining how well the new committee can translate plans into action, and whether the benefits will truly reach the millions of Nigerians still living without reliable power or internet service.
