The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration between Nigeria’s telecommunications and energy sectors, with a focus on expanding digital infrastructure through renewable energy solutions.
The agreement was signed on Friday during the NCC-REA Stakeholder Forum held at the NCC Annex Office Auditorium in Mbora, Abuja. The forum, themed “Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria,” brought together senior government officials, telecommunications operators, tower companies, renewable energy developers, financiers, development partners and investors.
The MoU provides a structured framework for cooperation in areas where energy and telecommunications infrastructure can be jointly deployed to improve connectivity, particularly in underserved and unserved communities, while promoting socio-economic development.
Speaking at the forum, stakeholders highlighted the importance of renewable energy in addressing power challenges affecting telecommunications infrastructure, especially in remote locations. They also explored how telecommunications assets can enhance the planning, monitoring and efficiency of energy projects.
Participants received updates on the work of the NCC-REA Collaboration Committee, including proposed pilot projects, implementation strategies and opportunities for coordinated infrastructure planning and sharing.
The programme featured technical presentations, panel discussions and breakout sessions on commercial and financing issues, data and planning considerations, and policy and regulatory matters. Stakeholders also examined international best practices and innovative financing models for integrated energy and telecommunications infrastructure.
The workshop ended with practical recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration, improving coordination between the energy and telecommunications sectors, identifying priority pilot projects and accelerating the deployment of resilient digital infrastructure across Nigeria.
The NCC and REA said the partnership reflects a whole-of-government approach to infrastructure development and is expected to support digital inclusion, sustainable development and the continued growth of Nigeria’s digital economy through renewable energy-enabled telecommunications infrastructure.