NCC signs MoU with REA to provide, improve telecommunications, energy in rural communities
NCC and REA Sign MoU to Enhance Collaboration Between Telecommunications and Energy Sectors
ABUJA – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation between Nigeria’s telecommunications and energy sectors. The agreement was finalized during a high-level workshop titled “Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria” on Friday.
The workshop brought together government officials, telecommunications operators, tower companies, renewable energy developers, financiers, development partners, and investors to devise practical strategies for improving digital infrastructure through renewable energy sources.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, highlighted the importance of reliable connectivity for community development in his opening remarks. “Reliable electricity and digital connectivity are not separate development goals,” he stated. “They share mutually complementary objectives that contribute to an inclusive and productive economy.”
Dr. Maida emphasized that a community lacking electricity struggles with connectivity, while those without connectivity find it difficult to benefit fully from available power. He noted that the NCC and REA have worked to create a framework for integrating Nigeria’s digital and energy infrastructure.
The MoU facilitates the sharing of geospatial data between the two agencies, including information on electrified areas and plans for future electrification projects. In return, the NCC will provide data on Universal Service Provision Fund deployments, aligning both agencies’ efforts on connectivity and energy gaps.
Engineer Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services at the NCC, spoke to journalists after the signing, underscoring the potential benefits of the MoU. “This collaboration aims to maximize the advantages of both electricity and mobile communications in rural areas,” he said.
He further explained that mobile base stations need electricity to operate and that electricity is essential for charging devices. “The synergy between power and telecommunications is critical for the growth of our economy,” Oshadami added.
According to Oshadami, the MoU will help identify base stations located near mini-grids, ensuring a stable power supply to sustain connectivity in rural regions where access to electricity is limited. The agreement aims to enhance the deployment of mini-grids, allowing for uninterrupted service even without national grid power.
Engr. Umar Umar, Executive Director of Technical Services at the REA, commented on the significance of the MoU, which formalizes a framework for collaboration between the agencies after years of independent operations despite shared goals. He highlighted the importance of data sharing and the establishment of an NCC-REA Collaboration Committee to identify priority areas for deployment.
“Both agencies have made considerable progress but have operated in isolation until now,” Umar said. “We hope to unite our efforts through this MoU, leveraging specific data and analytics for informed decision-making.”
The collaboration marks a significant step toward enhancing the infrastructure needed for both telecommunication and energy services in Nigeria, allowing for more effective and efficient use of resources in achieving nationwide connectivity and electricity access.
