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The high-level workshop, themed "Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria," convened senior government officials, telecom operators, tower companies (TowerCos), renewable energy developers, financiers, and development partners to explore practical approaches to expanding broadband connectivity through clean energy.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), Engr. Abraham Oshadami, described the collaboration as a major milestone in Nigeria's drive toward inclusive digital connectivity and universal energy access.
"Reliable electricity and digital connectivity are not two separate development goals. They are mutually reinforcing foundations of the same objective that produces an inclusive and productive economy," Maida asserted.
He stressed that communities lacking stable power struggle to sustain telecom infrastructure, while those without digital connectivity are unable to fully leverage the economic benefits of electrification.
Geospatial Data Sharing and Infrastructure Co-location
Elaborating on the scope of the MoU, Engr. Oshadami explained that the partnership establishes a practical, operational framework to align telecom expansion with rural electrification projects through joint planning and shared resources.
ITREALMS gathered that the REA will provide geospatial data on existing and planned electrification projects, while the NCC will supply mapping data from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to identify and target energy-and-connectivity blind spots.
Also it was gathered that by off-grid site powering, both agencies will explore opportunities to power telecom infrastructure, including base transceiver stations (BTS) and fiber optic repeater sites; using REA's off-grid renewable energy mini-grids.
Just as the asset co-location, would see to a situation where technically feasible, telecom operators will be encouraged to co-locate equipment directly on REA-developed energy assets.
Officials confirmed that this joint approach is expected to significantly reduce capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational costs (OpEx) for telecom operators, replace expensive diesel generators, and accelerate broadband access in underserved and unserved rural communities.
Echoing the EVC's stance, the Managing Director/CEO of the REA, represented by the Executive Director, Technical Services, Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, noted that the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy is intrinsically linked to power reliability.
Umar highlighted that renewable energy mini-grids offer a cleaner, far more sustainable alternative to diesel-powered tower sites while opening up commercially viable avenues for both energy developers and telecom operators.
"Reliable power and universal connectivity are not competing priorities. They are the same priority, approached from two directions. Where we deliver them together, the cost of each falls and the reach of both extends," Umar declared.
The workshop featured technical presentations by the joint NCC–REA Collaboration Committee on geospatial analysis, pilot project deployment, and implementation strategies, followed by panel sessions on green financing models, regulatory alignment, and infrastructure co-design.
Engr. Oshadami urged attending industry stakeholders; particularly tower companies, mobile network operators (MNOs), and green energy financiers; to move beyond intent and actively structure commercial models capable of scaling pilot initiatives into national projects.
The MoU marks a concrete step forward in advancing the Federal Government's digital economy and rural development agenda by building resilient, scalable, and environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure across Nigeria.
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