USPF, ITU, UK FCDO Strengthen Collaboration to Boost Rural....

Lagos, Nigeria – The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO), has reaffirmed its commitment to bridging Nigeria’s digital divide through sustainable connectivity initiatives.

At an Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session in Lagos over the weekend, the USPF Secretary, Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, commended ITU and UK FCDO for their continuous support in deepening rural connectivity, emphasizing that the collaboration is crucial for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

The event, attended by key government officials, industry leaders, and development partners, underscored the Nigerian government’s resolve to expand inclusive digital access. Dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Faruk Yabo; the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida; as well as Chief Executives of telecommunications companies, State ICT commissioners, and other notable stakeholders.

Arowosafe highlighted that the engagement session aligns with the broader vision of USPF to ensure connectivity reaches unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria. He noted that the theme, “Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth,” reflects the government’s commitment to digital inclusion in line with NCC’s Strategic Focus Areas, the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint, and the Presidential Priority Areas.

“Together, we have the power to create sustainable and inclusive pathways to ensure no community is left behind. Achieving this requires strong partnerships among government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), development partners, and community leaders. By sharing insights and resources, we can design tailored solutions that address both immediate and long-term connectivity challenges,” Arowosafe stated.

Ahead of the event, USPF gathered input from stakeholders through questionnaires, which helped shape the panel discussions. Key focus areas included strengthening partnerships for connectivity, enhancing capacity-building and security, and exploring innovative funding mechanisms for sustainable digital access.

The session provided a robust platform for dialogue and practical solutions to improve telecommunications access in underserved regions. Participants were encouraged to actively engage, share expertise, and contribute to shaping strategies that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

“This event marks the beginning of a collective journey toward a more connected, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria. USPF is proud to lead this effort, and we look forward to what we can accomplish together,” Arowosafe concluded.

With USPF at the forefront of this initiative, in collaboration with ITU and UK FCDO, stakeholders expressed optimism that the partnerships forged at the event will drive significant progress in achieving universal connectivity across Nigeria.