The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the deployment of sustainable digital infrastructure across Nigeria by integrating renewable energy solutions with telecommunications infrastructure.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the deployment of sustainable digital infrastructure across Nigeria by integrating renewable energy solutions with telecommunications infrastructure.
The partnership was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, at the NCC–REA Stakeholder Workshop held at the NCC Annex Office Auditorium, Mbora, Abuja, on Friday, July 24, 2026.
The workshop, 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 other industry stakeholders to explore practical approaches to expanding connectivity through sustainable energy solutions.
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Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, described the partnership as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of inclusive digital connectivity and improved energy access.
He said reliable electricity and digital connectivity are complementary pillars of an inclusive and productive economy, noting that communities without stable electricity struggle to sustain telecommunications infrastructure, while those lacking connectivity are unable to maximise the benefits of electrification.
Oshadami explained that the agreement establishes a framework for aligning telecommunications and rural electrification programmes through coordinated planning, infrastructure sharing and renewable energy deployment. Under the arrangement, the REA will provide geospatial data on existing and planned electrification projects, while the NCC will share information on current and planned Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) projects to enable both agencies identify connectivity and energy gaps for more effective planning.
He added that the collaboration would explore the use of off-grid renewable energy projects to power telecommunications infrastructure, including base stations and fibre repeater sites, while encouraging the co-location of telecom infrastructure on REA-developed energy assets where feasible. According to him, the initiative is expected to reduce deployment costs, improve operational efficiency and accelerate connectivity in underserved communities.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Abba Aliyu, represented by the Executive Director, Technical Services, Umar Abdullahi Umar, said Nigeria’s digital economy depends on reliable energy infrastructure.
He noted that renewable energy mini-grids offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to diesel-powered telecommunications sites, adding that the partnership would create commercially viable opportunities for telecom operators and renewable energy developers.
According to him, reliable power and universal connectivity are complementary priorities that, when delivered together, reduce infrastructure costs and expand access to underserved communities.
The workshop featured presentations by the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee on geospatial analysis, pilot project opportunities and implementation strategies, as well as panel discussions on financing models, regulatory issues and infrastructure planning.
Oshadami urged stakeholders to move beyond expressions of support by identifying practical financing mechanisms, commercial models and regulatory measures that would facilitate the implementation of scalable and sustainable projects.
The MoU is expected to strengthen collaboration between the NCC and REA in support of the Federal Government’s digital economy and rural development agenda through improved infrastructure planning, expanded broadband connectivity, greater adoption of renewable energy in telecommunications networks and the delivery of resilient digital infrastructure to drive socio-economic development across Nigeria.
