- NCC and REA launched a joint committee to power telecom sites with renewable energy and reduce their $350 million annual diesel costs.
- The initiative targets rural areas and supports digital inclusion through data sharing, joint funding, and impact tracking.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have launched a joint initiative to reduce the $350 million that telecom operators in Nigeria spend annually on diesel. Both agencies have inaugurated the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee to drive this effort, which will focus on deploying renewable energy solutions to power telecom infrastructure nationwide.
According to the State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2025 by the Africa Finance Corporation, telecom operators in Nigeria consume over 40 million litres of diesel each month, resulting in annual costs exceeding $350 million. The new initiative will prioritise telecom infrastructure in rural areas, although the NCC has not yet released complete details on how the committee will engage with telecom operators.
During the committee’s inauguration, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, described the partnership as a “timely and strategic alignment of national priorities.” He emphasised its focus on delivering reliable and sustainable power to support telecom services in rural and underserved communities.
“Whether it is powering a base station or enabling a child to access digital learning, this partnership can transform realities and bring opportunity closer to the people,” Dr. Maida stated.
He added, “This initiative is more than infrastructure. It is about driving inclusion, bridging inequalities, and creating the conditions for shared prosperity.”
Dr. Maida also highlighted that the collaboration aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting digital and energy inclusion across Nigeria. He urged committee members to approach the initiative with innovation, focus, and a commitment to measurable results.
Furthermore, REA’s Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to the project and stressed the transformative impact of integrating renewable energy infrastructure with digital connectivity. He explained that the partnership offers a pathway to deliver sustainable development to millions without access to traditional infrastructure.
The NCC–REA Collaboration Committee will focus on four key objectives: Deploying renewable energy to power telecom sites, Sharing geospatial data to enhance infrastructure planning, Aligning funding frameworks to support joint projects and Tracking socio-economic impact using clear performance metrics.
The committee aims to serve as a model for inter-agency collaboration and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan and broader sustainable development goals.