By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on expanding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure through renewable energy solutions.
The agreement, signed during the NCC–REA Stakeholder Workshop in Abuja, is aimed at improving broadband connectivity, reducing infrastructure deployment costs and extending digital services to underserved communities across the country.
The workshop, themed “Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria,” brought together government officials, telecommunications operators, tower companies, renewable energy developers, financiers, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss practical ways of combining energy and telecommunications infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, described the partnership as a major step towards achieving inclusive digital connectivity and reliable electricity for Nigerians.
He explained that access to electricity and digital connectivity are closely linked, noting that communities without stable power struggle to sustain telecommunications infrastructure, while those without internet connectivity cannot fully benefit from modern economic opportunities.
According to Oshadami, the partnership provides a framework for coordinated planning between both agencies. Under the agreement, the REA will provide geospatial data on existing and planned rural electrification projects, while the NCC will share information on Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) projects to help identify communities lacking both electricity and telecommunications services.
He added that the collaboration will also explore the use of renewable energy to power telecommunications facilities such as base stations and fibre repeater sites, while encouraging the co-location of telecom infrastructure on REA-developed energy facilities where technically feasible.
Oshadami said the initiative is expected to lower infrastructure deployment costs, improve operational efficiency and accelerate broadband expansion, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, represented by the Executive Director, Technical Services, Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, said renewable energy mini-grids offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to diesel-powered telecom infrastructure.
He noted that the partnership will create new commercial opportunities for both telecommunications operators and renewable energy developers while supporting Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.
Participants at the workshop also discussed financing models, regulatory policies, geospatial planning and pilot projects that will guide the implementation of the partnership.
The NCC urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions by developing practical financing mechanisms, commercial partnerships and regulatory frameworks that will support large-scale deployment of sustainable digital infrastructure.
The partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s digital economy and rural development objectives by promoting broadband expansion, renewable energy adoption and resilient telecommunications infrastructure capable of driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
