NCC Partners with Stakeholders to Address Rural Connectivity Challenges
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has partnered with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), and other stakeholders to tackle rural connectivity challenges in Nigeria. A two-day workshop held in Abuja from June 3-4, 2025, explored policy frameworks for enabling community networks and bridging the digital divide in underserved and unserved communities.
The workshop aimed to foster inclusive socio-economic development by addressing critical challenges such as affordable devices, access, licensing, spectrum allocation, infrastructure development, and sustainability.
NCC recognizes the transformative potential of community networks in achieving digital inclusion, particularly in underserved areas.
The workshop brought together regulators, community leaders, technical experts, and potential foreign investors to strengthen collaboration and explore innovative funding mechanisms.
Speaking, Dr. Aminu Maida, NCC Executive Vice Chairman”This workshop is an opportunity for all of us to harness the expertise, insights, and experiences of diverse stakeholders… to address critical challenges.”
According to Kathleen Diga, APC’s Local Network Initiative, “This workshop presents a moment in time that we can explore the bottom-up approach in local communities, small social enterprises, cooperatives, among others, which have the ability to fill some of the digital gaps that remain unfilled.”
The NCC, APC, and other stakeholders will work together to develop a joint policy framework to address the rural digital divide, leveraging the expertise and insights gathered during the workshop.
According to Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, NCC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, the Association for Progressive Communications is a 35-year-old member-based international network that promotes digital inclusion in underserved communities, particularly in the global south.
