By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
In a major step toward closing the digital divide in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and other key institutional stakeholders, convened a high-level workshop focused on improving rural connectivity across underserved and unserved communities.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Acting Head, Public Affairs, NCC and made available to Time Nigeria stated that, “The two-day workshop, held in Abuja from June 3–4, 2025, explored policy and regulatory frameworks to support the growth of community networks—localised, inclusive communication infrastructure tailored to meet the specific needs of remote populations. The initiative is aimed at accelerating socio-economic development in hard-to-reach areas of the country.
Bringing together regulators, community leaders, foreign investors, technical experts, and government agencies, the forum examined key barriers to connectivity such as access to affordable devices, spectrum allocation, licensing, infrastructure, funding models, sustainability, and institutional oversight.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner of Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, highlighted the workshop’s relevance to Nigeria’s broader development goals.
“This workshop is a unique opportunity to tap into the collective insights and expertise of diverse stakeholders to tackle challenges hampering digital inclusion in rural areas,” he said. “It underscores the Commission’s unwavering commitment to expanding digital access to every Nigerian, regardless of their location or status.”
Dr. Maida further described community network initiatives as transformative tools for achieving inclusive digital development. “We see this forum as a catalyst for meaningful change. Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian has access to the opportunities that come with digital connectivity,” he affirmed.
Also speaking, Kathleen Diga, Co-Manager of the APC’s Local Networks (LocNet) initiative, said the collaboration aims to eliminate barriers to digital access through inclusive, grassroots-driven approaches.
“This space allows us to exchange bold ideas and co-create solutions. Community networks—often led by small enterprises, cooperatives, and local groups—are powerful strategies to fill the persistent gaps in connectivity,” Diga said. She stressed the need to recognise and support these networks which are growing rapidly across the global south.
Presentations at the workshop were made by the NCC, APC, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), among others, all converging around a shared goal: developing a policy framework to support rural digital inclusion.
The APC, a 35-year-old international organisation, continues to champion digital inclusion through its LocNet initiative, which focuses on empowering underserved communities in the global south through locally owned and operated connectivity solutions.