The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) is bolstering rural connectivity in Nigeria, with Secretary Yomi Arowosafe praising the collaborative efforts of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO).
This partnership aims to accelerate socio-economic development through enhanced digital access in underserved areas.
Arowosafe’s commendation came during an Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session in Lagos, organized by the USPF, UK FCDO, and ITU. This session built upon the USPF’s ongoing initiatives to expand network coverage in unserved and underserved Nigerian communities.
The event drew high-profile attendees, including the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; Permanent Secretary Faruk Yabo; NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida; telecommunications CEOs; state ICT commissioners; and other industry stakeholders.
Minister Tijani highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to enabling policies for increased connectivity, while NCC’s Maida emphasized regulatory support for USPF projects to align with government priorities.
Arowosafe stressed the importance of collaboration, stating that the workshop’s theme, “Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,” reflects a dedication to bridging the digital divide. He emphasized the need for partnerships between government, the private sector, NGOs, development partners, and community leaders to create sustainable solutions.
The session incorporated stakeholder feedback from pre-event questionnaires, shaping panel discussions on collaborative strategies, capacity building, security, and innovative funding mechanisms. The goal was to foster robust dialogue and practical solutions to improve telecommunications access in underserved regions.
Arowosafe concluded that the event marked the beginning of a collective effort towards a more connected and inclusive Nigeria, with the USPF leading the charge.