The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have formalised a strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of sustainable digital infrastructure across Nigeria by integrating renewable energy solutions with telecommunications infrastructure.

The partnership was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the NCC–REA Stakeholder Workshop, themed “Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria.”

The workshop brought together 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 collaboration as a major milestone in advancing inclusive digital connectivity and energy access.

“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 noted that communities without stable electricity struggle to sustain telecommunications infrastructure, while those without internet connectivity are unable to fully benefit from electrification initiatives.

He explained that the partnership 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 proposed Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) projects. The shared data will enable both agencies to identify areas lacking electricity and connectivity, improving planning and project implementation.

The partnership will also explore powering telecommunications infrastructure, including base stations and fibre repeater sites, through REA’s off-grid renewable energy projects, while encouraging the co-location of telecom infrastructure on REA-developed energy assets where technically feasible.

According to Oshadami, 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 and sustainable energy infrastructure.

He noted that renewable energy mini-grids offer a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to diesel-powered telecommunications sites, creating commercial opportunities for both 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, alongside panel discussions on financing models, regulatory frameworks and infrastructure planning.

Oshadami urged stakeholders to move beyond expressions of support by identifying practical financing mechanisms, commercial models and policy measures capable of translating the initiative into sustainable, large-scale projects.

The MoU 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, increased adoption of renewable energy in telecommunications and the delivery of resilient, scalable digital infrastructure across the country.