The Federal Government has intensified efforts to fast-track broadband expansion and deepen digital inclusion with the inauguration of the Board of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), in a move aimed at extending telecommunications services to underserved and unserved communities across Nigeria.
The board was formally inaugurated on March 27, 2026, at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, in the presence of major stakeholders in the communications and digital economy ecosystem. The event underscored the government’s renewed commitment to closing Nigeria’s digital gap and expanding connectivity nationwide.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who chairs the newly inaugurated board, is expected to provide strategic direction for the fund.
Also playing pivotal roles are the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, and the Chairman of the NCC, Idris Olorunnimbe, who will oversee implementation and regulatory alignment.
Other members of the board include Abraham Oshadami, representing technical services, and Rimini Makama, representing stakeholder engagement, reflecting a blend of technical expertise and industry collaboration.
The USPF, a government-backed intervention fund domiciled under the NCC, was established to support the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure in rural, remote, and economically disadvantaged areas where private sector investment has been limited.
Through targeted interventions, the fund seeks to boost broadband penetration, improve network coverage, and enhance access to communication services in communities that remain excluded from the digital economy.
Stakeholders at the inauguration emphasized that the board’s work will be critical to ensuring that millions of Nigerians currently disconnected from reliable internet and telecom services are integrated into the national and global digital ecosystem.
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Industry observers note that improving rural connectivity is essential for expanding access to education, healthcare, financial services, e-commerce, and government services, particularly as Nigeria pursues digital transformation across sectors.
The inauguration of the USPF board aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital economy strategy, which prioritizes infrastructure development, innovation, and inclusive growth. The government has repeatedly identified broadband access as a foundational pillar for economic diversification and job creation.
With the new board now in place, officials are expected to accelerate existing projects and introduce new initiatives aimed at expanding broadband coverage, supporting community networks, and fostering public-private partnerships to drive sustainable connectivity.
Analysts say the effectiveness of the board will depend on transparent governance, efficient fund deployment, and measurable impact in bridging the connectivity gap between urban centers and rural communities.
As Nigeria positions itself within the rapidly evolving global digital landscape, the strengthened oversight and renewed focus on universal access signal a decisive step toward ensuring that no region is left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey.