REA, NCC Launch Strategic Committee to Drive Rural Connectivity and Energy Access in Nigeria
This strategic alliance sets a precedent for integrated planning between energy and telecom regulators, emphasizing the need for holistic solutions to Nigeria’s rural development challenges.
On Friday, June 27, 2025, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA ) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC ) officially inaugurated a joint strategy and steering committee to implement their collaborative partnership focused on bridging Nigeria’s rural connectivity and energy gaps. This milestone follows months of intensive consultations and strategic planning between the two agencies.
At its core, this partnership recognizes the interdependence of reliable energy and robust telecommunications infrastructure as foundational pillars for rural development. Nigeria’s unserved and underserved areas have long faced the dual challenge of limited electricity access alongside poor digital connectivity — barriers that have restrained economic opportunities and social inclusion.
By combining REA’s deep expertise in delivering sustainable energy solutions with NCC’s mandate and technical know-how in expanding telecom access, the initiative aims to accelerate the rollout of digital infrastructure powered by reliable energy. This synergy is designed not only to electrify rural communities but also to ensure they are digitally connected, opening pathways for education, healthcare, commerce, and governance services through technology.
Speaking at the inauguration, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, MD/CEO of the REA, emphasized the critical link between energy access and rural development. He highlighted that reliable electricity and telecommunication services work hand in hand to catalyze socioeconomic growth across the country. Aliyu noted that the costs of energy poverty and limited data connectivity lead to economic exclusion, which ultimately hinders national progress.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, praised REA’s data-driven approach to improving energy access and reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to collaborating closely with the REA. He called on committee members to work strategically, focusing on the vital roles both agencies play in achieving their shared objectives.
This strategic alliance sets a precedent for integrated planning between energy and telecom regulators, emphasizing the need for holistic solutions to Nigeria’s rural development challenges. With this collaborative effort, the country takes a decisive step toward a fu ture where rural communities enjoy both the light of electricity and the power of digital connectivity, fueling inclusive growth and national prosperity.
