In a landmark step toward enhancing digital and energy inclusion across Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have inaugurated a joint committee to drive the deployment of renewable energy solutions for powering telecom infrastructure nationwide.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja, was presided over by the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, alongside the Managing Director of REA, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu. Senior officials and committee members from both institutions were also in attendance.
Dr. Maida hailed the partnership as a timely and strategic alignment of national development priorities, stressing that reliable energy is critical for optimal telecom operations, especially in rural and underserved communities.
“Whether it is powering a base station or enabling a child to access digital learning, this partnership has the potential to transform realities,” he said. “This initiative is about more than infrastructure—it is about inclusion, equity, and creating opportunities for all.”
He further emphasized that the collaboration supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that it reinforces the federal government’s commitment to bridging connectivity and electricity gaps.
Speaking on behalf of REA, Engr. Aliyu expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the partnership, reaffirmed REA’s commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions in alignment with the country’s broader development goals.
The NCC–REA Collaboration Committee is tasked with developing and implementing integrated solutions that leverage renewable energy to power telecom sites, improve planning through geospatial data sharing, align funding mechanisms, and monitor socio-economic outcomes through key performance indicators.
The committee is expected to serve as a model for inter-agency synergy, demonstrating how collaborative governance can fast-track national objectives under the National Broadband Plan and sustainable development agenda.
