The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have formed a strategic partnership to reduce the telecom industry's dependency on diesel generators.
This collaboration comes as operators utilise over 40 million litres of diesel each month, costing them around $350 million every year to power their infrastructure across the country.
To ensure the initiative's success, the newly formed NCC-REA Collaboration Committee will prioritise the deployment of renewable energy solutions, particularly for telecom sites in rural and underserved areas, as well as funding alignment and impact monitoring.
Dr. Aminu Maida, NCC executive vice chairman, emphasised the partnership's transformative potential, adding that it will bridge inequities and foster shared prosperity.
“Whether it is powering a base station or enabling a child to access digital learning, this partnership has the potential to transform realities and bring opportunity closer to the people,” Dr. Maida said.
Maida underlined that the initiative includes more than just infrastructure. It is about increasing inclusion, closing digital gaps, and creating conditions for shared prosperity.
Abba Aliyu, REA managing director, discussed how combining renewable energy with internet connectivity might lead to sustainable development in underprivileged places.
Aliyu confirmed the agency's commitment to the project, emphasising the transformative power of merging renewable energy infrastructure and internet connectivity.
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