The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and other institutional stakeholders, has intensified efforts to address challenges hampering rural network connectivity in Nigeria.
This partnership was formalized during a two-day workshop held in Abuja from June 3 to 4, 2025, aimed at developing policy frameworks that support the deployment of community networks. The initiative seeks to bridge the nation’s digital divide and drive socio-economic development across underserved and unserved communities.
The forum brought together key stakeholders, including regulators, community leaders, technical experts, and potential foreign investors, to deliberate on pressing issues such as policy and regulatory constraints, innovative funding models, sustainable energy solutions, and the need for stronger stakeholder collaboration.
In his address at the workshop, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida—represented by the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami—stressed the importance of the gathering in fostering inclusive digital access.
“This workshop is an opportunity to harness the insights, expertise, and experiences of diverse stakeholders to address critical challenges such as affordability, licensing, spectrum allocation, infrastructure, and sustainability,” Maida said.
He reiterated the NCC’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion, particularly through the support of community-based network models. “At NCC, we recognise the transformative potential of community networks in achieving this vital goal,” he added.
Maida further described the forum as a catalyst for meaningful change and expressed optimism that the engagements would pave the way for every Nigerian to benefit from the opportunities enabled by digital connectivity, regardless of socio-economic status.
Also speaking at the event, Kathleen Diga, Co-Manager of APC’s Local Networks (LocNet) initiative, underscored the importance of addressing systemic barriers to digital inclusion.
“This is a space for openness and idea-sharing to realise the values of a diversified digital ecosystem,” she said. Diga advocated for a bottom-up approach, empowering local communities, small enterprises, and cooperatives to help close the persistent digital gaps, especially in the global south.
She emphasized that community network models are growing and represent a strategic response to digital exclusion across underserved regions.
The workshop featured presentations from the NCC, APC, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), all centered on crafting a unified policy framework that supports rural digital expansion.
APC, a 35-year-old international network organization, is focused on promoting digital inclusion in underserved regions globally. Through its LocNet initiative, the organization aims to build inclusive regulatory environments for community networks, especially in developing countries like Nigeria.