NCC, UK FCDO, ITU partner to improve rural connectivity in Nigeria

The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has praised the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO) for their collaboration with the Nigerian government in expanding rural connectivity to drive socio-economic development.

USPF Secretary, Yomi Arowosafe, made the commendation during an Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session held in Lagos over the weekend. Organized by the USPF in partnership with the UK FCDO and ITU, the session focused on expanding network coverage in unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.

The event attracted key stakeholders, including Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Faruk Yabo; NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida; telecommunications executives, State ICT commissioners, industry leaders, trade associations, development partners, and officials from the NCC and USPF.

Speaking at the event, Minister Bosun Tijani reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to implementing policies that enhance digital connectivity and drive socio-economic transformation. NCC’s Aminu Maida also emphasized the Commission’s dedication to supporting USPF projects through regulatory measures that facilitate the deployment of essential digital infrastructure in line with the Federal Government’s priority areas and ministerial blueprint.

Arowosafe stressed that the engagement underscored USPF’s commitment to inclusive connectivity, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector players, NGOs, development agencies, and community leaders in bridging the digital divide.

He noted that the theme of the workshop, “Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,” reflects the government’s dedication to ensuring that no community is left behind. By sharing insights and resources, he said, stakeholders can design solutions that address both immediate and long-term connectivity challenges.

Ahead of the session, the USPF gathered input from stakeholders through questionnaires, shaping discussions on strategies to enhance connectivity through collaboration, strengthen capacity-building efforts, improve security, and explore innovative funding models for sustainable expansion.

Describing the engagement as a platform for practical solutions, Arowosafe urged participants to actively contribute toward shaping policies that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and improve lives across the country. He noted that the event marks the beginning of a collective journey toward a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria, with the USPF leading efforts to achieve this goal.