The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the deployment of sustainable digital infrastructure across Nigeria by integrating renewable energy solutions with telecommunications infrastructure.
The agreement was formalised during the NCC–REA Stakeholder Workshop held at the NCC Annex Office Auditorium, Mbora, Abuja, on Friday, July 24, 2026.
The workshop, themed “Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria,” brought together senior government officials, telecommunications operators, tower companies, renewable energy developers, financiers, development partners and other stakeholders to explore practical strategies for expanding digital connectivity through sustainable energy solutions.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, described the partnership as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive toward inclusive digital connectivity and improved energy access.
He said reliable electricity and digital connectivity are interdependent, noting that communities without stable power cannot sustain telecommunications infrastructure, while those without connectivity are unable to maximise the benefits of electrification.
«”Reliable electricity and digital connectivity are not two separate development goals. They are mutually reinforcing foundations of the same objective that produces an inclusive and productive economy,” he said.»
Oshadami explained that the MoU provides a framework for aligning telecommunications and rural electrification programmes through coordinated planning, shared infrastructure and renewable energy solutions.
Under the agreement, the REA will provide geospatial data on existing and planned electrification projects, while the NCC will share information on current and planned Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) deployments. The data will enable both agencies to identify connectivity and energy gaps for improved planning and implementation.
He added that the collaboration would explore the use of off-grid renewable energy projects to power telecommunications infrastructure, including base stations and fibre repeater sites, while also encouraging the co-location of telecom facilities on REA-developed energy assets where technically feasible.
According to him, the initiative is expected to reduce infrastructure deployment costs, improve operational efficiency and accelerate broadband expansion in underserved and unserved communities.
In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, represented by the Executive Director, Technical Services, Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, said Nigeria’s digital economy depends on reliable energy infrastructure.
He noted that renewable energy mini-grids offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to diesel-powered telecommunications sites, adding that the partnership would create commercially viable opportunities for telecom operators and renewable energy developers.
«”Reliable power and universal connectivity are not competing priorities. They are the same priority, approached from two directions. Where we deliver them together, the cost of each falls and the reach of both extends,” he said.»
The workshop featured presentations by the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee on geospatial analysis, pilot project opportunities and implementation strategies, as well as panel discussions on financing models, policy and regulatory issues, and infrastructure planning.
Oshadami urged stakeholders to move beyond expressions of support by identifying practical financing mechanisms, commercial models and regulatory measures capable of delivering sustainable, large-scale projects.
The partnership is expected to strengthen collaboration between the NCC and the REA in advancing the Federal Government’s digital economy and rural development agenda through improved infrastructure planning, expanded broadband connectivity, greater adoption of renewable energy in telecommunications networks, and the delivery of resilient and sustainable digital infrastructure nationwide.
