In a renewed effort to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has partnered with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and other institutional stakeholders to address challenges facing rural network connectivity across the country.
This partnership resulted in a two-day stakeholders’ workshop held in Abuja from June 3 to 4, 2025. The event focused on formulating inclusive policy frameworks to support community networks as a means of enhancing connectivity and accelerating socio-economic development in underserved and unserved areas.
The workshop convened key players in the digital ecosystem including regulators, community leaders, technical experts, and prospective foreign investors to examine policy and regulatory bottlenecks, explore innovative funding strategies, promote sustainable energy solutions, and foster collaborative partnerships.
Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, described the initiative as timely and necessary to unlock the full potential of digital inclusion in rural communities.
Dr. Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Mr. Abraham Oshadami, emphasized the workshop’s role as a platform for transformative dialogue.
“This workshop provides an opportunity for all of us to harness the expertise, insights, and experiences of diverse stakeholders including regulators, community leaders, technical experts, and potential foreign partners to address critical issues such as affordability of devices, access, licensing, spectrum allocation, infrastructure development, sustainability, and institutional monitoring,” Maida said.
He reaffirmed NCC’s dedication to ensuring that digital access reaches every Nigerian, regardless of location or status.
“At NCC, we recognise the transformative potential of community networks in achieving digital inclusion. We view this workshop as a catalyst for meaningful change that can ensure all Nigerians have access to the opportunities that come with connectivity,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, Co-manager of the Association for Progressive Communications’ Local Network (LocNet) initiative, Ms. Kathleen Diga, explained that the collaboration was aimed at removing barriers to digital inclusion through community-driven solutions.
“This is a space where we can be open and exchange ideas on possibilities and opportunities that will sustain the values of a diversified digital ecosystem,” Diga noted.
She stressed the importance of a bottom-up approach in rural connectivity efforts: “This workshop presents a unique moment to explore how small social enterprises, cooperatives, and local communities can fill the connectivity gaps that remain. Community-centred networks are growing across the global south as a strategic response to digital exclusion.”
The workshop featured technical presentations and contributions from key institutions including the NCC, APC, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), all aimed at developing a joint policy roadmap for bridging the rural digital divide.
The Association for Progressive Communications is a 35-year-old international, member-based network that promotes digital inclusion in underserved communities. Through its LocNet initiative, the APC has supported regulatory and policy dialogues across the global south to enable grassroots connectivity and inclusive access to information and communication technologies (ICTs).
