USPF Secretary Lauds ITU, UK-FCDO Partnership in Driving Rural Connectivity Expansion in Nigeria

Strengthening Rural Connectivity for a Digital Future

L-R: Nigeria National Consultant, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Ogundipe Olubunmi; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE), Faruk Yabo; Hon. Minister, FMoCIDE, Dr. Bosun Tijani; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida; Secretary, Universal Service Provision Fund, Yomi Arowosafe and West Africa Area Representative, ITU, Ali Badiel, during the Industry-focused Stakeholders Engagement Session organised by the USPF of the Commission in collaboration with ITU and United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO), in Lagos on Thursday (March 13, 2025)

.The drive to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide reached a pivotal moment over the weekend as the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), spearheaded an Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session in Lagos. The event, held in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO), underscored a shared commitment to expanding rural connectivity and fostering socio-economic development.

The Secretary of USPF, Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, commended the ITU and UK FCDO for their unwavering support in deepening Nigeria’s digital reach. He highlighted the critical role of partnerships in achieving sustainable connectivity in unserved and underserved communities, emphasizing that collaboration is the backbone of inclusive digital transformation.

With the theme “Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,” the session convened key industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, including Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Faruk Yabo; and the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida.

Reflecting on the significance of the engagement, Arowosafe noted that the discussions were shaped by direct input from stakeholders, addressing key strategies for enhancing connectivity, building capacity, and exploring innovative funding mechanisms for sustainable growth.

“This event marks the beginning of a collective journey toward a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria,” Arowosafe stated. “By working together—government agencies, private sector players, NGOs, and community leaders—we can create tailored solutions that address both immediate and long-term connectivity challenges.”

Minister Tijani reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to policies that enhance digital inclusion, while NCC’s Dr. Maida assured continued regulatory support to accelerate the deployment of critical telecommunications infrastructure.

The engagement session served as a platform for robust dialogue, reinforcing the importance of cross-sector collaboration in shaping Nigeria’s digital future. As stakeholders chart the course for expanded connectivity, the USPF remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that no community is left behind in the digital revolution.

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