By Martin Ekpeke
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is calling for strengthened collaboration and strategic alliances to boost the effectiveness of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) and accelerate Nigeria’s digital development.
Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the necessity of this collaborative approach at a recent stakeholder engagement session, organized by the USPF in partnership with the ITU and supported by the UK FCDO.
“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,” Dr. Maida stated, highlighting the event’s focus on fostering partnerships for sustainable growth.
The NCC recognizes that achieving equitable access to telecommunications services, particularly in unserved and underserved communities, requires a collective effort.
Thus, the USPF, through initiatives like the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and backbone infrastructure, plays a vital role in bridging the digital divide and supporting national development goals. To maximize the impact of these projects, the NCC is advocating for a multi-stakeholder approach involving government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, and other key players.
Dr. Maida urged stakeholders to explore innovative financing models, leverage emerging technologies, and promote policies that incentivize collaboration. He stressed that solutions must be tailored to address local challenges and align with current realities. Ultimately, the NCC aims to build a resilient and sustainable telecommunication infrastructure that empowers all Nigerians, ensuring that digital connectivity becomes a fundamental right.