NCC unveils data-driven plan to bridge Nigeria’s rural digital divide

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has outlined a data-driven strategy to expand digital connectivity in rural and underserved communities.

The commission warned that Nigeria risks deepening economic and social inequalities if the digital divide is not urgently addressed.

Speaking at the inaugural Rural Connectivity Summit in Lagos, Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of NCC said the true measure of connectivity lies not in internet speed, but in the economic value it creates for citizens, businesses, and national security.

Maida noted that while Nigeria’s broadband penetration has risen to about 48.8 percent as of August 2025, access remains uneven, particularly between urban and rural areas.

He said urban centres enjoy internet access levels of up to 57 percent, while rural communities lag far behind at roughly 23 percent, limiting opportunities in education, healthcare, agriculture, and financial inclusion.

According to the NCC chief, closing this gap is both an economic and national security imperative.

He cited research indicating that a 10 percent increase in broadband penetration can boost GDP growth in developing economies by about 1.38 percent.With more than 45 percent of Nigeria’s population living in rural areas, he said meaningful connectivity is critical to inclusive development.

Maida highlighted the role of the NCC’s Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in driving rural connectivity through initiatives such as the Rural Broadband Initiative and the Accelerated Mobile Phone Expansion programme, which subsidise base stations and fibre infrastructure in commercially unviable areas.

Since 2007, the USPF has supported over 2,500 educational projects and delivered more than 100,000 computers to schools nationwide, he said.

Beyond education, he said the commission is leveraging e-health projects to connect rural health centres with specialist hospitals and deploying assistive technologies for persons with disabilities.

He also announced the launch of the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index, designed to provide an annual scorecard of states’ digital readiness and encourage competition and accountability.

The NCC boss also emphasised the importance of community networks and flexible regulatory frameworks, noting ongoing collaborations to integrate locally driven connectivity solutions into Nigeria’s national broadband ecosystem.

He added that draft frameworks such as the General Authorisation Framework will lower barriers for innovators testing new technologies tailored to rural needs.

While speaking on infrastructure protection, . Maida said the commission has intensified collaboration with security agencies following the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure, aimed at curbing vandalism and theft of telecom assets.

He disclosed that thousands of fibre cuts and equipment thefts recorded in 2025 had prompted stronger enforcement and stakeholder engagement.

Maida called on state governments to adopt zero Right of Way charges, operators to prioritise rural rollouts, and communities to protect telecom infrastructure.

“Nigeria must ensure its youth become creators, not just consumers, of digital value,” he said, while adding that bridging the digital divide is essential to unlocking rural economic potential and ensuring no Nigerian is left behind.

Folake Balogun is a tech journalist covering Africa’s fast-growing digital economy with a strong focus on incisive analysis of startup trends, venture capital, and fintech innovation, while also exploring emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the future of connectivity by highlighting their economic and social impact.

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