Abuja: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration between the telecommunications and energy sectors. This agreement aims to expand digital infrastructure and electricity access in underserved communities.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the MoU was signed on Friday in Abuja during a stakeholder workshop titled ‘Unlocking the Energy-Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria’. Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the interdependence of reliable electricity and digital connectivity as pillars of national development. Maida noted that communities with fast and reliable connectivity experience development, inclusion, and opportunities.
Maida highlighted the challenges faced by communities lacking electricity in sustaining telecommunications infrastructure and those lacking connectivity in maximizing the benefits of electricity. The collaboration between NCC and REA aims to enable both agencies to coordinate infrastructure planning through data sharing. The REA will provide geospatial data on electrification projects, including mini-grids and solar home systems, while the NCC will share information on Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) projects to create a unified map of connectivity and energy gaps.
The Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Abraham Oshadami, described the agreement as a significant step towards improving telecommunications and electricity access, particularly in rural communities. Oshadami pointed out the reliance of telecommunications infrastructure on reliable electricity and the increasing dependence of electricity services on digital connectivity. The MoU will facilitate the identification of telecommunications base stations near existing or planned mini-grids, allowing operators to draw power from renewable energy installations.
Oshadami explained that this would ensure base stations remain operational even without national grid supply, as mini-grids can sustain connectivity in those locations. This development is expected to significantly enhance access to telecommunications services in rural communities, supporting broader socio-economic development.
The Executive Director, Technical Services, REA, Umar Umar, stated that the agreement formalizes a framework for collaboration after years of both agencies independently pursuing similar objectives. The partnership will focus on data sharing, joint infrastructure mapping, and coordinated project implementation. Umar mentioned the establishment of an NCC-REA collaboration committee to identify priority locations and develop pilot projects for implementation.
Umar added that by combining telecoms and power coverage maps, viable locations where both sectors can complement each other will be identified. The process will result in precise, data-driven solutions and pilot projects that will inform future deployments. The collaboration will also provide a platform for wider stakeholder participation in evaluating and strengthening implementation strategies.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the MoU is expected to improve coordination between the two agencies, reduce infrastructure costs, and accelerate the expansion of digital and electricity infrastructure to underserved and unserved communities across Nigeria. The workshop brought together senior government officials, telecommunications operators, tower companies, renewable energy developers, and financiers to explore strategies for accelerating digital infrastructure deployment through renewable energy solutions.