The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have entered into a strategic partnership designed to accelerate the rollout of sustainable digital infrastructure across Nigeria by integrating renewable energy solutions with telecommunications infrastructure.

The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the NCC–REA Stakeholder Workshop held recently at the NCC Annex Office Auditorium.

Held under the theme, “Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria,” the workshop convened senior government officials, telecommunications operators, tower companies, renewable energy developers, financiers, development partners and other key industry stakeholders. Participants examined practical strategies for expanding digital connectivity through sustainable energy solutions.

Speaking during the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), Engr. Abraham Oshadami, described the partnership as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to promote inclusive digital connectivity alongside improved energy access.

“Reliable electricity and digital connectivity are not two separate development goals. They are mutually reinforcing foundations of the same objective that produces an inclusive and productive economy,” he said.

Oshadami explained that stable electricity supply and digital connectivity complement one another, noting that communities lacking dependable power struggle to sustain telecommunications infrastructure, while areas without reliable connectivity cannot fully maximise the benefits of electrification.

According to him, the partnership creates a practical framework for synchronising telecommunications and rural electrification initiatives through coordinated planning, shared infrastructure and renewable energy deployment.

Under the agreement, the REA will provide geospatial data covering existing and planned electrification projects, while the NCC will make available information on current and proposed Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) deployments. The exchange of data is expected to enable both agencies to jointly identify connectivity and energy gaps, improving planning and implementation.

Oshadami also disclosed that the collaboration would explore opportunities to power telecommunications infrastructure, including base stations and fibre repeater sites, through the REA’s off-grid renewable energy projects. In addition, both agencies will encourage the co-location of telecommunications infrastructure on REA-developed energy assets wherever technically feasible.

He said the initiative is expected to lower deployment costs, improve operational efficiency and accelerate connectivity across underserved communities.

Also speaking at the workshop, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, represented by the Executive Director, Technical Services, Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, stressed that dependable energy infrastructure is critical to Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

He noted that renewable energy mini-grids offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to diesel-powered telecommunications sites, adding that the partnership would create commercially viable opportunities for telecommunications operators and renewable energy developers.

“Reliable power and universal connectivity are not competing priorities. They are the same priority, approached from two directions. Where we deliver them together, the cost of each falls, and the reach of both extends,” he said.

The workshop also featured presentations by the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee covering geospatial analysis, pilot project opportunities and implementation strategies. Panel discussions focused on financing models, policy and regulatory considerations, as well as infrastructure planning.

Oshadami encouraged stakeholders to move beyond broad expressions of support by identifying practical financing mechanisms, commercial models and regulatory measures capable of transforming the partnership into sustainable, large-scale projects.

The newly signed MoU marks a major step in strengthening collaboration between the NCC and the REA in support of the Federal Government’s digital economy and rural development objectives.

Through the partnership, both agencies intend to enhance infrastructure planning, expand broadband connectivity, promote renewable energy adoption within telecommunications networks, and deliver resilient, scalable, and sustainable digital infrastructure capable of driving socio-economic development across Nigeria.

Source: Independent