Experts Advocate Community-Led Connectivity Models at Abuja Workshop

From L-R: Ms. Olusola Agunbiade, Research Director Qualiquant Services Ltd; Mubarak Shamaki, Manager, Digital Economy Department, NCC; Kathleen Duga, Co-Manager APC Locknet; Mrs. Hauwa Wakil, Deputy Director, Digital Economy Department, NCC; Mr. Haji Mohammad Director, Frequency Spectrum Management, Communications Authority of Kenya, at the Community Connectivity-Centred Networks Workshop held recently at the NCC Centre of Excellence, Mbora, Abuja

Digital inclusion took center stage at the recent Community Connectivity-Centred Networks Workshop held at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Centre of Excellence in Mbora, Abuja. The event brought together key stakeholders from Nigeria and Kenya to explore sustainable models for expanding internet access through community-driven initiatives.

The workshop featured a robust panel of experts, including Ms. Olusola Agunbiade, Research Director at Qualiquant Services Ltd; Mubarak Shamaki, Manager, Digital Economy Department, NCC; Kathleen Duga, Co-Manager, APC Locknet; Mrs. Hauwa Wakil, Deputy Director, Digital Economy Department, NCC; and Mr. Haji Mohammad, Director, Frequency Spectrum Management, Communications Authority of Kenya.

Discussions focused on the need to shift from traditional infrastructure-heavy approaches to more inclusive, community-centric connectivity solutions. Ms. Agunbiade emphasized that empowering local communities to own and manage their digital infrastructure is essential for meaningful access, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

“If we want true digital inclusion, we must recognize the power of communities to develop and sustain their own connectivity models,” she said.

Representatives of the NCC, including Shamaki and Wakil, underscored the Commission’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for innovative and decentralized internet access. According to Wakil, the workshop aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030), which prioritizes inclusive growth and grassroots engagement.

“The NCC is reviewing policies and regulatory frameworks to support the emergence of community networks and smaller-scale operators,” Wakil noted.

Kathleen Duga, representing the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), shared practical examples of how community networks are transforming lives in isolated regions. She called for collaborative policy support to ensure these grassroots initiatives thrive.

“Connectivity is not just about technology—it’s about giving people a voice and a chance to participate in the digital economy,” she said.

Providing a regional perspective, Kenya’s Haji Mohammad highlighted efforts to promote dynamic spectrum management and more flexible licensing regimes to accommodate rural and community operators.

“Our experience in Kenya shows that inclusive spectrum policies can stimulate innovation and bring last-mile solutions closer to reality,” Mohammad stated.

The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation among regulators, policymakers, researchers, and communities to bridge Africa’s persistent digital divide.

As governments across the continent race to connect the unconnected, the message from Abuja was clear: community-led connectivity is not only viable—it is essential.

Stay informed, stay ahead with The Ameh News