News Highlights:
- Mr. Yomi Arowosafe praised the ITU and UK-FCDO for partnering with the Nigerian government to enhance rural connectivity.
- Stakeholders at the Lagos event discussed strategies to expand digital access through collaboration, capacity building, and sustainable funding.
Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has praised the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO) for their partnership with the Nigerian government in enhancing rural connectivity to drive the country’s socio-economic development.
Arowosafe expressed his appreciation during an Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session in Lagos over the weekend, organized by the USPF in collaboration with the UK FCDO and the ITU to reinforce efforts in expanding network connectivity in unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.
The event was attended by the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Faruk Yabo; the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida; Chief Executives of telecommunications companies, State ICT commissioners, notable industry players, trade associations, development partners, key speakers, distinguished guests and staff of both NCC and the USPF.
The Minister highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to implementing policies and initiatives that enhance connectivity and drive Nigeria’s socio-economic development, while the NCC boss, Maida, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to supporting all USPF projects through effective regulatory measures that accelerate the deployment of essential digital infrastructure aligned with the Federal Government’s priority areas and ministerial blueprint.
Speaking at the event, Arowosafe said the engagement reflected the USPF’s shared vision and commitment to expanding inclusive connectivity and that the presence of all other stakeholders at the event underscored the vital role of collaboration in achieving the goal.
He said the theme of the workshop, “Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth”, highlighted government’s dedication to bridging the digital divide, in alignment with NCC’s Strategic Focus Areas, the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint, and Presidential Priority Areas.
“Together, we have the power to create sustainable and inclusive pathways to ensure no community is left behind. Achieving this requires strong partnerships among government, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), development partners, and community leaders. By sharing insights and resources, we can design tailored solutions that address both immediate and long-term connectivity challenges,” he said.
Arowosafe stated that ahead of the session, the USPF gathered input from stakeholders through questionnaires, noting that the responses obtained, shaped the panel discussions, focused on key strategies to foster connectivity through collaboration and partnerships, strengthen capacity building and security, and explore innovative funding mechanisms for sustainable connectivity.