The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, has emphasized the need for close collaboration among key stakeholders to drive digital inclusion in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Industry-Focused Stakeholders’ Engagement Session of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in Lagos on Thursday, Maida urged government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, development partners, and telecom trade groups to work together to expand digital access.
Enhancing Connectivity for a Digital Future
The engagement session served as a platform for industry stakeholders to exchange insights on strategies for improving USPF interventions. It also provided a feedback mechanism to strengthen partnerships for advancing Nigeria’s digital future.
Maida highlighted the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape and the need for innovative, collaborative approaches to ensure sustainable connectivity, particularly for unserved and underserved communities.
USPF’s Role in Bridging the Digital Divide
The NCC, through the USPF, has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at ensuring universal access to digital services. These efforts align with national and global objectives, including bridging the digital divide, fostering economic growth, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education) and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
Maida noted that the USPF has successfully implemented various access and connectivity projects, including the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and Backbone Transmission Infrastructure, among others, to expand connectivity across Nigeria.
With continued collaboration among stakeholders, he emphasized that Nigeria can accelerate progress toward a more inclusive digital economy.
