NCC and REA Accelerate Nigeria’s Renewable Power Plan for Telecom Sites

Nigeria is charting a bold new course in sustainable connectivity. This week, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) inaugurated a joint collaboration to power telecom infrastructure using renewable energy—marking a major push toward merging digital access and clean, reliable power nationwide.

This partnership seeks to address two critical challenges facing underserved communities: unreliable electricity and limited internet access.

Together, NCC and REA aim to co-develop integrated solutions—including solar and other renewables—enabling telecom towers to operate sustainably in off-grid or low-grid areas .

What’s Driving Change?

• $350 million diesel burden: Nigeria’s telecom operators burn up to 40 million litres of diesel each month—costing the industry approximately $350 million annually.
• Expanded digital reach: Energy reliably fuels base stations that support everything from mobile banking to online education. Thus, energy and connectivity become intertwined needs.
• Economic & environmental benefits: Renewable adoption promises lower operating costs, reduced pollution, and affordable data services for all.

Collaboration in Action

Chairing the launch, Dr. Aminu Maida, NCC’s executive vice chairman, described the initiative as a strategic alignment:

“Whether powering a base station or enabling a child to access digital learning, this partnership has the potential to… bring opportunity closer to the people”.

The NCC–REA Collaboration Committee will design renewable energy-powered telecom setups, leverage geospatial data for optimized planning, synchronize funding mechanisms, and monitor socioeconomic outcomes using clear metrics.

Representing REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu emphasized the collaboration’s vital role in unlocking sustainable development—particularly for communities that were previously overlooked.

The Road Ahead

This initiative dovetails with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan and broader developmental goals, embodying the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu—ensuring that “no community is left behind in Nigeria’s digital and energy transformation”.

The joint committee will be key in driving:

• Deployment of cost-effective, solar-powered base stations
• Sharing of site-location data for smarter rollout
• Coordinated investment schemes across sector agencies
• Regular progress evaluations measured against digital and energy inclusion targets

Why it Matters

By integrating renewable energy solutions into telecom infrastructure, Nigeria stands to gain on multiple fronts:

At a time when digital connectivity is vital for education, healthcare, commerce, and governance, this collaborative venture is a keystone moment—blending sustainability, innovation, and inclusion into a single national strategy.

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