The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has teamed up with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and key institutional stakeholders to advance rural network infrastructure and bridge Nigeria’s persistent digital divide, especially in underserved and unserved regions.
At the heart of the collaboration was a high-level two-day policy workshop, held in Abuja from June 3–4, 2025, aimed at developing an inclusive regulatory framework for community-based network models.
The event brought together regulators, technical experts, community leaders, and potential foreign investors to chart a path for universal internet access, digital inclusion, and sustainable economic development in rural Nigeria.
Accelerating Digital Inclusion Through Community Networks
In his keynote, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, emphasised the Commission’s unwavering commitment to expanding rural broadband penetration and inclusive connectivity.
“This workshop is a platform to confront the structural and regulatory challenges limiting digital growth in rural Nigeria,” Maida stated.
“Together with our partners, we are evaluating critical issues such as affordable devices, spectrum licensing, infrastructure development, and sustainable energy solutions to empower local communities.”
He described community networks as a “transformative tool” for connecting the underserved and driving social and economic inclusion.
The NCC, he said, views the workshop as a catalyst for lasting reform to democratise access to the digital economy.
Stakeholder Collaboration to Address Policy Barriers
The forum, jointly hosted with APC, also featured contributions from Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) — underlining a multi-sectoral approach to the problem of rural digital exclusion.
Kathleen Diga, Co-Manager of APC’s Local Networks (LocNet) initiative, highlighted the strategic importance of community-driven connectivity in emerging markets, especially across the Global South.
“This is an opportunity to co-create solutions rooted in bottom-up models, such as local cooperatives and social enterprises, which can sustainably close existing connectivity gaps,” Diga said.
She noted the growing relevance of community-centred networks globally as a response to rising digital inequality.
Exploring Alternative Financing and Renewable Energy Integration
The workshop also explored innovative funding mechanisms and renewable energy strategies to power remote connectivity, with the REA offering insights into the alignment of digital infrastructure with rural electrification projects.
The CBN’s role focused on fostering financial inclusion and digital payments infrastructure in remote communities.
Towards a National Framework for Digital Equity
Participants called for a national policy roadmap that recognises community networks as legitimate alternatives to conventional commercial models.
The policy direction, they argued, should facilitate open spectrum access, simplified licensing, and financial incentives for local innovators working to deliver last-mile connectivity.
The APC — a 35-year-old international network focused on digital rights and inclusion — is working with national authorities through the LocNet initiative to promote a regulatory environment that supports small-scale, locally managed network operators.
Strategic Relevance for Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The initiative is part of Nigeria’s broader push to achieve 95% digital inclusion by 2030, in line with the National Broadband Plan and global UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Analysts say expanding rural internet access will unlock massive potential in agritech, edtech, telemedicine, and financial services, driving inclusive growth and poverty reduction.
