The Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, has commended the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK-FCDO) for their collaboration with the Nigerian government to enhance rural connectivity and drive socio-economic development.
Arowosafe gave the commendation at an Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session held in Lagos over the weekend. The event, organized by the USPF in collaboration with the UK-FCDO and ITU, aimed to advance efforts to expand network coverage in unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy; Faruk Yabo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy; Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC; chief executives of telecommunications companies; state ICT commissioners; industry players; trade associations; development partners; and staff of the NCC and USPF.
Minister Bosun Tijani reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to implementing policies that promote nationwide connectivity to transform Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. Meanwhile, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, reiterated the Commission’s determination to support USPF initiatives through regulatory measures that accelerate digital infrastructure deployment.
Speaking at the session, Arowosafe emphasized the importance of collaboration in bridging the digital divide. He noted that the workshop’s theme, “Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,” aligns with NCC’s Strategic Focus Areas, the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint, and Presidential Priority Areas.
“Together, we have the power to create sustainable and inclusive pathways to ensure no community is left behind. Achieving this requires strong partnerships between the government, private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), development partners, and community leaders. By sharing insights and resources, we can develop tailored solutions to address both immediate and long-term connectivity challenges,” Arowosafe stated.
Ahead of the event, the USPF conducted a stakeholder survey to gather insights, which shaped the panel discussions. The deliberations focused on strategies to expand connectivity through partnerships, strengthening capacity building and security in rural telecom infrastructure, and exploring innovative funding mechanisms for sustainable connectivity.
Arowosafe described the engagement as a platform for robust dialogue and practical solutions to improve telecom access in underserved regions. He urged participants to actively contribute their expertise in shaping policies that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and enhance the lives of its citizens.
“This event marks the beginning of a collective journey toward a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria. USPF is proud to lead this effort, and we look forward to achieving great milestones together,” he concluded.
