NCC, Gates Foundation Partner to Deepen Internet Access in Nigeria’s Underserved Communities
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aimed at improving broadband and mobile connectivity in underserved and unserved areas across the country.
According to the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, the collaboration will prioritise expanding access and closing affordability gaps in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
Discussions with the Gates Foundation’s Nigeria Country Director, Uche Amaonwu, also reviewed measures to strengthen regulatory oversight and enhance consumer protection.
“We recognise the central role of partnerships and collaboration. This is why we are working with the Gates Foundation to deliver critical projects that strengthen our regulatory oversight, enhance our capacity to address consumer complaints, and protect our digital community,” the NCC said in a statement on Sunday.
The latest initiative builds on earlier cooperation between the Federal Government and the Gates Foundation.
In June, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy and the foundation launched the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Scaling Hub — a multi-stakeholder platform designed to coordinate the large-scale deployment of AI-driven solutions in health, agriculture and education.
The hub, supported by up to $7.5m in Gates Foundation funding over three years, will bring together government agencies, private tech firms, academia and development partners to accelerate the adoption of mature AI innovations.
“By working with the Gates Foundation, we are strengthening our capacity to ensure that AI-driven solutions are developed responsibly and deployed equitably,” Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said at the launch.
Despite significant growth in Nigeria’s digital space, NCC data shows broadband penetration stood at about 48 per cent in June, leaving tens of millions without reliable internet access in a country of over 220 million people.
The Gates Foundation has supported multiple digital inclusion projects across Africa, focusing on expanding technology access, improving public services, and advancing equitable economic opportunities.
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