REA and NCC unite for rural development

In a significant move toward bridging Nigeria’s rural energy and digital divide, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have officially inaugurated a joint strategy and steering committee

This initiative follows extensive consultations and strategic alignment between both agencies and marks a new chapter in collaborative infrastructure development.

The core objective of the partnership is to address the intertwined challenges of limited electricity access and poor digital connectivity in Nigeria’s underserved and unserved communities. These twin gaps have long stifled socioeconomic progress, limiting access to education, healthcare, financial inclusion and broader opportunities for rural populations.

By leveraging REA’s proven track record in delivering sustainable energy solutions and NCC’s mandate to expand telecommunications reach, the initiative seeks to deploy integrated infrastructure that can simultaneously provide power and digital access. This approach aims to accelerate the delivery of modern services in rural areas, creating a strong foundation for inclusive development.

“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,” commented executive vice-president and CEO of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida. “This initiative is about more than infrastructure, it is about driving inclusion, bridging inequalities, and creating the conditions for shared prosperity.”

This joint initiative not only promotes synergy between two critical government agencies but also sets a new benchmark for integrated infrastructure planning in Nigeria. It is a forward-thinking effort that recognises the need for holistic solutions in transforming rural communities and advancing national prosperity.

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