The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken steps toward addressing poor network connectivity in rural Nigeria by proposing a policy framework to enable the licensing and operation of community networks in underserved and unserved areas.
This move was the highlight of a two-day workshop held in Abuja, in collaboration with the Association for Progressive Communications and other institutional stakeholders, aimed at dismantling regulatory obstacles and promoting digital inclusion in disadvantaged communities.
The forum brought together regulators, community leaders, technical experts, and potential foreign investors to deliberate on policy and licensing bottlenecks, explore innovative funding options, promote sustainable energy solutions, and strengthen collaboration for inclusive connectivity.
Addressing participants, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Aminu Maida, said the commission is determined to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive socio-economic development through community-driven infrastructure.
“The workshop is an opportunity for all of us to harness the expertise, insights, and experiences of diverse stakeholders present here which includes the regulators, community leaders, technical experts and potential foreign providers to address the critical challenges such as affordable devices, access, licensing, spectrum allocation, infrastructure development, sustainability and institutional monitoring,” he said.
