Danjuma Katsina
@Katsina times
The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring equitable access to telecommunications services for all Nigerians, especially those in unserved and underserved communities.
The Executive Vice Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, stated this in Lagos, at the industry-focused stakeholders’ engagement session.
Katsina Times reports that the stakeholders’ engagement session was organised by the NCC's Universal Service Provision Funds (USPE), in collaboration with the ITU, and supported by the UK FCDO.
According to Maida, This engagement, themed: Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Telecommunication Infrastructure in the Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth.'
He explained that the theme reflects their collective commitment to ensuring equitable access to telecommunications services for all Nigerians, especially those in unserved and underserved communities.
“Today's meeting is particularly aimed at bringing key industry stakeholders together to
provide valuable insights on strategies that can be adopted to enhance USPF interventions and serve as a feedback mechanism to build partnerships for Nigeria's
digital future.
“It goes without saying that the USPF acknowledges the crucial role of collaboration, strategic partnerships and complementary efforts to achieve sustainable
development.
“Additionally, the evolving telecommunications landscape necessitates innovative and
collaborative approaches to ensure long-term viability in delivering connectivity to unserved and underserved populations.
“The NCC, through the USPF, has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at providing universal access and universal service,” Dr Maida revealed.
According to him, these efforts align with broader national and global goals, including bridging the digital divide, promoting universal access, fostering economic growth, social inclusion, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals "SDGs 4" (Quality Education) and 9
(Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
The NCC Executive Vice Chairman further noted that over time, the USPF has successfully implemented several projects under its access and connectivity programmes.
The NCC Chief Executive Officer further said, “Given the focus of this event, it is important to highlight key
connectivity projects, such as the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), Backbone Transmission and Infrastructure, amongst others.
“This engagement serves as
a vital platform to discuss practical strategies to enhance the impact of these projects through strengthened partnerships.
“Without doubt, to achieve digital inclusion, government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, development partners, and telecom trade groups must work closely together.
“It is for this reason that a multi-stakeholder approach is essential to explore innovative financing models to attract investment in rural telecommunications, Leverage emerging technologies and alternative power solutions for sustainable connectivity, and promote policies that incentivize collaborative participation in connectivity projects.”
He further used the occasion to urge all stakeholders to take decisive steps toward strengthening partnerships, calling on them to harness collective expertise, resources, and innovative capabilities to build a resilient and sustainable telecommunication infrastructure that will empower millions of Nigerians.
According to him, stakeholders must remember that collaboration remains the cornerstone of sustainable development in the sector.
Dr Maida pointed out that, “Crucially, I must mention that our solutions must be tailored to address local challenges/needs and align with current realities.
“I am confident that the deliberations from this engagement will lead to actionable solutions that will dive progress, foster economic development, and ultimately
transform lives through connectivity in the most remote corners of our nation.”
