Collaboration, Strategic Partnerships And Complementary Efforts Critical To USPF In Achieving Efficiency, Effectiveness As A Special Purpose Vehicle In Telecommunications-NCC Boss

By Kingsley I. Ilechukwu, Bureau Chief, South West, Nigeria

The Universal Service Provision Fund(USPF)  acknowledges the crucial role of  collaboration, strategic partnerships and complementary efforts to achieve sustainable  development.  The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer(EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida said this while welcoming participants at an Industry-Focused  Stakeholder’s Engagement Session of the Universal  Service Provision Fund today held at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, south west, Nigeria.

Themed: ‘Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Telecommunication  Infrastructure in the Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating  for Sustainable Growth,’ the pivotal stakeholder engagement event was organized under the auspices of the Universal Service Provision Fund in  collaboration with the ITU with support from the UK FCDO.

According to Dr. Maida, the theme reflected “our collective commitment to ensuring equitable  access to telecommunications services for all Nigerians, especially those in unserved  and underserved communities,” adding “today’s meeting is particularly aimed at bringing key industry stakeholders together to  provide valuable insights on strategies that can be adopted to enhance USPF  Interventions and serve as a feedback mechanism to build partnerships for Nigeria’s  digital future.”

Additionally,  stated Maina, the evolving telecommunications landscape necessitated innovative and  collaborative approaches to ensure long-term viability in delivering connectivity to  unserved and underserved populations.

In capturing the role of the USPF in expanding access, the nations’s chief telecoms regulator said: “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), through the USPF, has been at the  forefront of initiatives aimed at providing universal access and universal service. These  efforts align with broader national and global goals, including bridging the digital divide,  promoting universal access, fostering economic growth and social inclusion, and  achieving Sustainable Development Goals “SDGs 4” (Quality Education) and 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

“Over time, the USPF has successfully implemented several projects under its access and  connectivity programmes. Given the focus of this event, it is important to highlight key  connectivity projects such as the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS),  Backbone Transmission and Infrastructure, amongst others. This engagement serves as  a vital platform to discuss practical strategies to enhance the impact of these projects  through strengthened partnerships.

“Without doubt, to achieve digital inclusion, government agencies, mobile network  operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, development partners, and telecom trade groups must work closely together. It is for this reason that a multi[1]stakeholder approach is essential to:

1. Explore innovative financing models to attract investment in rural  telecommunications.

2. Leverage emerging technologies and alternative power solutions for sustainable  connectivity.

3. Promote policies that incentivize collaborative participation in connectivity  projects.

Call to Action

I want to use this platform today, to urge all stakeholders to take decisive steps toward  strengthening partnerships. Let us harness our collective expertise, resources, and  innovative capabilities to build a resilient and sustainable telecommunication  infrastructure that will empower millions of Nigerians. We must remember that  collaboration remains the cornerstone of sustainable development in this sector.

“Crucially, I must mention that our solutions must be tailored to address local  challenges/needs and align with current realities.

I am confident that the deliberations from this engagement will lead to actionable  solutions that will drive progress, foster economic development, and ultimately  transform lives through connectivity in the most remote corners of our nation.

Conclusion

Once again, I thank you all for your dedication to this cause. Together, we can build a  future where digital connectivity is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Let us remain  steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that no community is left in the digital dark.

Thank you, and I look forward to productive discussions ahead.”

The stakeholder engagement was attended by  the FMoCIDE helmsman, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and  Digital Economy, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo. ICT Commissioners, Chief Executives and their representatives, Management and staff of the International Telecommunication Union  and  the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO), Secretary of the USPF, Notable industry players, Development partners, Speakers, Trade associations and other distinguished guests.