The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been praised by the Coalition for Inclusive Digital Growth (CIDG) for its extensive rural broadband expansion and infrastructure rollout, characterizing it as a key factor in fostering social inclusion, economic growth, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s underprivileged communities.
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday and signed by its President, Peter Ezza, the CIDG said that the NCC, led by its Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has shown uncommon foresight in making sure that digital transformation extends beyond urban areas and into rural and remote communities.
Ezza pointed out that the NCC’s recent initiatives and policies, which range from expanding the number of infrastructure companies licensed to installing more base transceiver stations, have greatly reduced the connectivity gap in a number of regions where people previously had limited or no access to dependable internet services.
“Connectivity is now essential to modern business activities and is no longer a luxury. Millions more Nigerians now have the ability to engage in the digital economy, access online education, increase agricultural productivity through real-time information, and enter new markets thanks to the NCC’s expansion of broadband service to underserved and rural areas. Sustainable growth is fueled by this type of regulatory leadership, according to Ezza.
Despite global economic challenges, the Commission was commended by the CIDG for its ability to draw significant investments into the telecom industry.
The alliance referenced recent data showing that the industry has continuously attracted multi-billion-dollar pledges from domestic and international investors, mostly because of a stable and progressive regulatory environment supported by the NCC.
“Where there is growth potential, predictability, and security, investors will always go.” Nigeria is now a desirable location for telecom and IT investments because of the NCC’s clear policy direction, incentives for network expansion, and adherence to industry standards,” he continued.
Beyond infrastructure, the coalition praised the NCC’s continuous regulatory reforms, claiming that they have modernized the telecoms framework and equipped the industry to meet future demands such as the rollout of 5G, emerging technologies, and the growing convergence of e-commerce, fintech, and telecoms.
The statement asserts that the NCC’s efforts to improve consumer protection and cybersecurity readiness have been equally significant.
According to Ezza, the Commission has increased public confidence in the digital ecosystem by educating consumers about online safety, enforcing data protection laws, and making sure service providers adhere to quality standards.
He emphasized that NCC-led consumer communication initiatives have raised knowledge of online dangers and promoted safer digital practices in many rural areas, where cyber awareness has historically been low. He maintained that this is a crucial component in guaranteeing that new internet users are both connected and safe.
According to the CIDG, the spread of e-commerce in local markets, a rise in entrepreneurial activity, better access to health information, and closer ties between rural economies and national value chains are all outcomes of rural broadband penetration.
In rural communities, each new base station serves as a beacon of possibility rather than merely a tower. We’ve witnessed young people launch businesses on the internet, farmers research commodities prices before selling, and medical professionals use telemedicine systems to save lives. These are the observable, transformative effects of the NCC’s push for rural connection, Ezza said.
The alliance asked the Commission to keep up the momentum, emphasizing that ongoing investment in rural connectivity will be necessary to meet Nigeria’s goals for poverty alleviation, inclusive growth, and global competitiveness.
The statement went on to say, “The NCC can guarantee that no Nigerian is left behind in the digital age with the correct support and sustained commitment.”
