NCC’s Rural Internet Drive Praised by Coalition for Promoting Development and Investment

As a key force behind economic growth, social inclusion, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s underprivileged communities, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has received praise from the Coalition for Inclusive Digital Growth (CIDG) for its extensive rural broadband expansion and infrastructure rollout.

The NCC, led by its Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has shown uncommon foresight in making sure that digital transformation extends beyond urban areas and deeply into rural and remote communities, according to a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday and signed by its President, Peter Ezza.

In many regions of the nation where residents previously had limited or no access to dependable internet services, Ezza pointed out that the NCC’s recent policies and initiatives—which ranged from licensing more infrastructure companies to deploying more base transceiver stations—have greatly reduced the connectivity gap.

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Nowadays, connectivity is essential to modern economic activities and is no longer a luxury. Millions more Nigerians have been enabled to engage in the digital economy, access online education, increase agricultural productivity through real-time information, and connect to wider markets by the NCC’s expansion of broadband service to rural and underserved areas. “Sustainable development is fueled by this type of regulatory leadership,” Ezza stated.

In spite of global economic challenges, the Commission was commended by the CIDG for its ability to draw significant investments into the telecom industry.

Recent data, according to the coalition, shows that the industry has continuously attracted multibillion-dollar pledges from domestic and international investors, mostly because of a stable and progressive regulatory environment that the NCC has promoted.

“Where there is stability, security, and room for expansion, investors will always go. Because of the NCC’s clear policy direction, incentives for network expansion, and adherence to industry standards, Nigeria is now a desirable location for tech and telecom investments,” he continued.

The coalition praised the NCC’s ongoing regulatory reforms, stating that they have not only modernized the telecoms framework but also equipped the industry to meet future demands, such as the deployment of 5G, emerging technologies, and the growing convergence of e-commerce, fintech, and telecoms.

The NCC’s efforts to improve consumer protection and cybersecurity preparation have been as significant, the statement said.

“The Commission has increased public trust in the digital ecosystem by educating users about online safety, enforcing data protection regulations, and making sure that service providers meet quality benchmarks,” Ezza stated.

“NCC-led consumer outreach campaigns have improved understanding of online risks and encouraged safer digital practices in many rural communities, where cyber awareness is traditionally low,” he said. In order to guarantee that new internet users are not only connected but also protected, he contended that this is an essential component.

According to the CIDG, the spread of e-commerce in local markets, a rise in entrepreneurial activity, better access to health information, and closer ties between rural economies and national value chains are all examples of the positive consequences of rural broadband adoption.

“Every new base station in a remote community is a beacon of potential, not just a tower. Young people have launched enterprises on the internet, farmers have looked at commodity prices before selling, and medical professionals have used telemedicine networks to save lives. According to Ezza, these are the real, transformative effects of the NCC’s rural connection initiative.

The coalition underlined that ongoing investment in rural connection will be crucial to reaching Nigeria’s goals for inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and global competitiveness, and asked the Commission to keep up the momentum.

The statement went on to say, “The NCC can guarantee that no Nigerian is left behind in the digital age with the correct support and ongoing commitment.”