NCC pushes strategic partnerships, skills development to accelerate broadband expansion

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strategic collaboration and human capital development as key drivers of broadband expansion and Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, stated this in a goodwill message delivered at the Strategic Fibre Optics Training Workshop in Abuja.

Maida, who was represented by the Commission’s Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, described the workshop as a timely intervention in strengthening digital infrastructure across Africa.

The five-day training, organised by the International Telecommunication Union in collaboration with the Digital Bridge Institute and supported by the European Union, is designed to enhance digital knowledge, strengthen regulatory capacity and support policy development among participating countries.

Speaking on the theme, “Strategic Fibre Optics Infrastructure Deployment and Regulatory Management,” Maida said robust and well-regulated fibre optic infrastructure remains the backbone of any successful digital transformation strategy.

He noted that Nigeria’s commitment to bridging the digital divide requires sustained investment in fibre networks, which he described as critical to driving economic growth, financial inclusion, education, healthcare, agriculture and efficient public service delivery.

The NCC boss highlighted the Federal Government’s Project BRIDGE (Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth), an initiative under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy that seeks to deploy an additional 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable nationwide.

According to him, the project is expected to deepen broadband penetration and extend connectivity to all 774 local government areas, significantly expanding digital inclusion across the country.

Maida, however, identified high Right of Way (RoW) charges, bureaucratic delays at subnational levels and infrastructure vandalism as major obstacles slowing broadband deployment.

To address these challenges, he said the Commission has strengthened collaboration with regulatory agencies, state governments and security institutions to facilitate seamless infrastructure rollout and safeguard telecommunications assets.

He disclosed that sustained advocacy by the NCC has led 13 states to waive Right of Way charges, a development already attracting increased investment from telecommunications operators.

Maida also recalled that coordinated efforts involving the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the NCC culminated in a 2024 Presidential Order designating telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), providing stronger legal protection against vandalism and disruption.

He reiterated that collaboration remains central to the Commission’s regulatory strategy, adding that developing skilled professionals is equally essential to achieving a digitally connected Nigeria.

Expressing optimism about the workshop, Maida said participants would acquire practical knowledge to improve regulatory efficiency, strengthen stakeholder engagement and accelerate fibre optic deployment across the region.

In her remarks, Inga Stefanowicz, said the European Union continues to prioritise investments in digital infrastructure, transport, renewable energy, healthcare and education as part of its global development strategy.

She explained that the approach, already being implemented in Nigeria and other African countries, is designed to mobilise finance, technical expertise and private sector investment for critical infrastructure development.

Stefanowicz noted that public funding alone cannot meet the continent’s infrastructure needs, making private sector participation essential to closing existing investment gaps.

She highlighted the EU’s €820 million Digital Economy Package for Nigeria, launched in 2022, which includes €160 million in grants alongside additional development financing.

According to her, the programme supports digital skills development, innovation hubs, digital businesses, public digital infrastructure and fibre optic expansion.

She added that the initiative would further strengthen Europe-Africa partnerships while accelerating digital transformation through deeper collaboration between governments and the private sector.

The EU official urged participants to maximise the training opportunity and leverage future capacity-building programmes supported by the European Union and its development partners.