NCC Pushes Strategic Partnerships, Capacity Building to Drive Nationwide Fibre Expansion, Digital Inclusion

By Correspondent in Abuja.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation through strategic collaboration and sustained investment in human capital development, describing both as critical pillars for expanding broadband access across the country.

This position was made known by the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, in a goodwill message delivered at a Strategic Fibre Optics Training Workshop held in Abuja.

Our correspondent gathered that the five-day intensive programme, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), with support from the European Union (EU).

It is aimed at strengthening digital capacity and enhancing policy development among participating countries.

Represented by NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, Maida described the workshop, themed “Strategic Fibre Optics Infrastructure Deployment and Regulatory Management,” as both timely and essential.

He noted that robust and well-regulated fibre infrastructure remains the backbone of any meaningful digital transformation agenda.

According to him, Nigeria’s ambition to bridge the digital divide and deepen broadband penetration hinges on strategic fibre deployment, which he described as a catalyst for economic growth and a driver of financial inclusion, improved education, healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity and efficient public services.

He disclosed that the Federal Government, through Project BRIDGE (Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth) under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, plans to deploy an additional 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable nationwide.

The initiative, he said, is designed to extend connectivity to all 774 Local Government Areas, thereby deepening digital inclusion across the country.

Despite these efforts, the NCC boss identified persistent challenges such as high Right of Way (RoW) charges, bureaucratic bottlenecks at subnational levels, and infrastructure vandalism as major impediments to broadband expansion.

He, however, noted that the commission had intensified collaboration with regulatory agencies, state governments and security institutions to address these constraints and ensure seamless deployment and protection of telecom infrastructure.

Maida revealed that sustained advocacy by the commission had yielded positive results, with 13 states already waiving RoW charges, a development that is attracting increased investment from telecom operators.

He further highlighted a 2024 presidential order, secured through coordinated efforts involving the ministry, the Office of the National Security Adviser and NCC, which designated telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNI), thereby strengthening its protection nationwide.

Reiterating the commission’s commitment to human capital development, he stressed that a skilled workforce remains indispensable to achieving a fully connected and digitally empowered Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that the training workshop would equip participants with the knowledge and tools required to enhance regulatory efficiency, foster stakeholder engagement and accelerate fibre rollout across the country.

In her goodwill message, Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Section, Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation, underscored the importance of digital infrastructure within the EU’s global strategy.

She explained that the strategy prioritises key sectors such as digital infrastructure, transport, energy, healthcare and education, and has been actively implemented across African countries, including Nigeria.

Stefanowicz noted that the scale of infrastructure needs makes it impossible for governments alone to shoulder the financial burden, stressing the importance of private sector participation in bridging funding gaps.

She cited the EU’s digital economy package for Nigeria, launched in 2022, which involves investments worth 820 million euros, including 160 million euros in grants, alongside additional development financing.

According to her, the initiative supports a broad spectrum of the digital ecosystem, including digital skills development, innovation hubs, digital businesses and public digital infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on fibre optic expansion.

She added that the programme is expected to deepen partnerships between Europe and Africa while fostering collaboration across both public and private sectors.
She urged participants to actively engage in the training and leverage future opportunities provided by the EU and its partners, emphasising that digital infrastructure remains central to sustainable digital transformation.

The workshop is expected to leave participants better equipped to contribute to policy formulation and implementation, ultimately advancing Nigeria’s quest for a resilient, inclusive and technology-driven economy.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.