L – R; Barrister Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Mgt, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC; Engr. Abba Abubakar, Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency, REA; Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC; Engr. Abdullahi Umar, Executive Director Technical Services, REA, during the Inauguration of the NCC-REA Collaboration Committee recently (on the 27th June 2025), at the NCC Boardroom, Abuja.
From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has formally inaugurated theNCC–REA Collaboration Committee, marking a pivotal step towards advancingNigeria’s digital and energy inclusion objectives by developing modalities for thedeployment of renewable energy to support telecom infrastructure in Nigeria.
In a release signed by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Ag. Head, Public Affairs, the inauguration, held at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, 27th June 2025, was presided over by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ofthe Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, who was joined by the Managing Director ofthe Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, along with seniorexecutives and committee members from both organizations.
In his address, Dr. Maida described the collaboration between NCC and REA as atimely and strategic alignment of national priorities, aimed at bridging theconnectivity and power gaps that continue to limit development in Nigeria’s ruraland underserved areas.He noted that while telecommunications infrastructure requires reliable andsustainable energy to function optimally, renewable energy solutions also benefitfrom the demand generated by expanding digital services and connectedcommunities.
He said, “Whether it is powering a base station or enabling a child to access digital learning, this partnership has the potential to transform realities and bring opportunity closer to the people.“This initiative is about more than infrastructure—it is about driving inclusion,bridging inequalities and creating the conditions for shared prosperity,” he remarked.”Through this collaboration, we are supporting His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by ensuring that no community is leftbehind in Nigeria’s digital and energy transformation,” Dr. Maida stated.
He charged the Committee members to approach their assignment with clarity, and a shared determination to deliver tangible result.
Speaking on behalf of REA, Mr. Aliyu expressed optimism about the transformative potential of the collaboration, reaffirming REA’s commitment to working closely with NCC to unlock sustainable development opportunities for millions ofNigerians living beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure.The NCC–REA Collaboration Committee has been established to co-develop andimplement integrated solutions that leverage renewable energy infrastructure to power telecom sites, share geospatial data for improved planning, align fundingframeworks, and track socio-economic impact through clear performanceindicators.
The Committee is expected to serve as a model for inter-agency cooperation,demonstrating how collaborative governance can accelerate progress in line with thenation’s National Broadband Plan and overall sustainable development agenda.
