USPF Secretary Commends International Partners for Enhancing Rural Connectivity in Nigeria

The Secretary of USPF, Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, praised ITU and UK-FCDO for their collaboration with the Nigerian government to enhance rural connectivity. The Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session emphasized policies for digital inclusion and identified strategies for strengthening collaboration in unserved communities. The event fostered dialogue among key stakeholders aimed at improving Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and connectivity challenges.

The Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, has praised the collaborative efforts of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK-FCDO) to enhance rural connectivity in Nigeria. This commendation was made during an Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session in Lagos, which aimed to improve network connectivity in unserved and underserved areas across the nation.

The event included participants such as the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; Permanent Secretary Faruk Yabo; Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida; executives from telecommunications companies; as well as ICT commissioners and development partners. Tijani reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to foster digital inclusion through strategic policies and initiatives, noting that expanding digital access is vital for transforming Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.

Dr. Aminu Maida also reiterated the NCC’s commitment to support USPF initiatives through regulatory measures aimed at deploying vital digital infrastructure consistent with government priorities. Arowosafe emphasized that the engagement session highlighted USPF’s commitment to inclusive connectivity and the necessity of collaboration among stakeholders to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide.

The workshop’s theme, “Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,” underscores the government’s dedication to expanding digital access. Arowosafe articulated the importance of partnerships among government entities, private sector organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community leaders to create sustainable connectivity solutions.

Prior to the session, the USPF collected stakeholder input via questionnaires to guide discussions. Arowosafe noted that these responses were fundamental in identifying effective strategies for enhancing collaboration and exploring innovative funding solutions for sustainable rural connectivity. The session fostered dialogue and encouraged participants to share their expertise, contributing to improved connectivity outcomes.

Arowosafe concluded that the event signifies the initiation of a collaborative journey towards building a more connected and inclusive Nigeria, expressing optimism about the future achievements stemming from this united effort.

The engagement session highlighted key collaborations with international partners to enhance rural connectivity in Nigeria, indicating a strong commitment from various stakeholders, including government officials and industry leaders. By prioritizing inclusive connectivity and fostering partnerships, the USPF aims to tackle Nigeria’s digital divide effectively. The initiative strives to ensure sustainable development through shared resources and innovative funding mechanisms, ultimately improving the lives of all Nigerians.

Original Source: sciencenigeria.com