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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) and key institutional partners, has taken a strategic step to address persistent rural connectivity challenges by convening a two-day multi-stakeholder policy dialogue aimed at advancing community network models across Nigeria.
Held in Abuja from June 3 to 4, 2025, the workshop focused on developing a robust policy and regulatory framework to support community-based connectivity solutions, accelerate digital inclusion, and stimulate socio-economic growth in underserved and unserved areas.
According to a statement by the Acting Head of Public Affairs at NCC, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, the event brought together a diverse mix of participants, including regulators, community advocates, technology experts, and potential foreign investors. Discussions focused on identifying and addressing regulatory barriers, proposing innovative financing models, promoting sustainable energy solutions, and fostering institutional partnerships to support long-term rural broadband expansion.
Delivering the Commission’s opening address, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida—represented by Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami—highlighted the critical role of the forum in bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.
“This workshop provides an opportunity to leverage the insights and experiences of stakeholders across sectors to overcome pressing challenges such as affordability, access, licensing, spectrum availability, infrastructure rollout, sustainability, and effective monitoring,” he stated.
Dr. Maida reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to digital inclusion, underscoring the transformative potential of community network models in bringing connectivity to marginalized populations. “We see this initiative as a catalyst for change—ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of geography or status, can benefit from the digital economy,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Kathleen Diga, Co-manager of the Association for Progressive Communications’ Local Networks (LocNet) initiative, emphasized the importance of bottom-up, community-led connectivity approaches in tackling systemic digital exclusion.
“This space allows for honest dialogue and idea-sharing around grassroots innovation, social enterprise models, and cooperative frameworks that are proving essential to bridging digital gaps,” Diga noted. She described community networks as an expanding global movement, particularly in the global South, where they are emerging as strategic responses to exclusionary digital infrastructure models.
The workshop featured technical presentations and policy sessions led by representatives from the NCC, APC, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), aimed at creating a harmonized policy ecosystem to support rural broadband development through community networks.
The APC, a 35-year-old global network organization, has played a prominent role in championing digital inclusion in underconnected communities. Through its LocNet initiative, it is working to support the creation of inclusive, locally-driven connectivity frameworks, particularly across countries in the global South.
The Abuja forum marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to enable community networks through policy clarity, regulatory support, and sustainable partnerships that prioritize connectivity as a catalyst for inclusive national development.
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