Nigeria's NCC and Rural Electrification Agency Sign MoU to Boost Rural Telecom and Power Access

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja during a stakeholder workshop titled “Unlocking the Energy‑Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria.”

The agreement establishes data‑sharing cooperation, with the REA providing geospatial information on existing, newly electrified and planned mini‑grids and solar home systems, while the NCC shares details of Universal Service Provision Fund projects. The goal is to identify gaps and enable telecom base stations to draw power from nearby renewable mini‑grids, improving network reliability in underserved rural areas.

NCC Executive Vice‑Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida said reliable electricity and digital connectivity are mutually reinforcing pillars of national development. NCC Technical Services Commissioner Abraham Oshadami highlighted that the partnership will allow base stations to remain operational even where national grid supply is absent. REA Executive Director Umar Umar also emphasized the expected socio‑economic benefits of expanding both electricity and digital services in rural communities.