The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has collaborated with the Association for Progressive Communications and other institutional stakeholders towards addressing challenges confronting rural network connectivity in Nigeria.

The collaboration resulted in a two-day workshop hosted in Abuja from June 3-4, 2025, to explore policy framework for enabling community networks towards bridging the digital divide and accelerating socio-economic development in Nigeria’s underserved and unserved communities.

The forum brought together regulators, community leaders, technical experts and potential foreign investors, among others, to examine policy and regulatory barriers, explore innovative funding mechanisms, ensure sustainable renewable solutions and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders.

Addressing participants at the workshop, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the workshop is important to bridging the digital divide in Nigeria and foster inclusive social economic development.

“This workshop is an opportunity for all of us to harness the expertise, insights, and experiences of diverse stakeholders present here which includes the regulators, community leaders, technical experts and potential foreign providers to address the critical challenges such as affordable devices, access, licensing, spectrum allocation, infrastructure development, sustainability and institutional monitoring,” said Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC at the event, Abraham Oshadami.

Maida said the workshop demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to advancing digital inclusion, particularly in underserved and unserved areas. “At NCC, we recognise the transformative potential of community center networks in achieving this important goal,” he said.

The EVC said NCC was committed to “this journey and views this workshop as a catalyst for meaningful change,” stating that the expertise, perspectives and commitments will shape the future where every Nigerian, regardless of his or her status, will have meaningful access to opportunities from digital connectivity.

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In her remarks, Co-manager of the Association for Progressive Communications’ Local Network (LocNet) initiative, Kathleen Diga, noted that the collaboration was to tackle identified hindrances to digital inclusion. “This is a space where we can be open and exchange ideas of possibilities, opportunities that will remain in realising values of a diversified ecosystem.”

Diga said, “I believe this workshop presents a moment in time that we can explore the bottom-up approach in local communities, small social enterprises, corporative among others, which have the ability to fill some of the digital gaps that remain unfilled,” she said, adding emphasising the need to recognise that community centre connectivity exists and they are grow throughout the global south, which, she said, are a “strategic response to digital exclusion.”

The workshop featured presentations from the NCC, the Association for Progressive Communications and other institutional stakeholders such as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) all geared towards exploring a joint policy framework to address rural digital divide.

The Association for Progressive Communications is a 35-year-old international network member-based organisation encouraging digital inclusion in the unserved communities, particularly with communities in the global south and the workshop, through its LocNet initiative aimed at crafting an enabling inclusive regulatory framework for community networks in Nigeria.

WhatsApp has ceased to function on several smartphones with older or outdated operating systems (OS) from June 1, 2025.

The messaging app has raised its minimum system requirements to improve security and performance, rendering it incompatible with certain phone models.

According to the update, iPhones must now run iOS 15.1 or later, while Android devices need at least Android 5.1. This means that support for models like the iPhone 5s, 6, and 6 Plus, the Samsung Galaxy S4, the Sony Xperia Z1, and others has been lost.

The update aims to enhance security and performance, as outdated devices can no longer support modern app features.

Users on older hardware have been strongly advised to back up chat histories and migrate to newer devices before June 1 to avoid service interruptions.

However, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and the first-generation iPhone SE will remain functional only if updated to iOS 15.8.4. Owners of these models are advised to install the latest iOS iteration to maintain access to WhatsApp.

Meta’s decision to phase out support for legacy operating systems is a proactive measure to ensure the app’s security and introduce enhancements, ultimately maintaining the app’s reliability and user experience.

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In a fresh wave of challenges for iPhone users, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a significant ultimatum regarding Apple Inc.

According to Trump, the tech giant would be subjected to a hefty tariff of 25 percent on all iPhones manufactured overseas and imported into the United States. This move is part of a broader strategy aimed at reshaping trade relations and encouraging domestic production.

The implications of such a tariff could have far-reaching effects on both Apple and its loyal customer base, raising concerns about affordability and accessibility of iPhones in the US market.

He later added that Samsung and other phone makers would face a similar tariff, “otherwise it wouldn’t be fair”. The tariffs would likely take effect at the end of June, he said.

Trump posted the comments on Apple on his social network Truth Social. “I have long ago informed [CEO] Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” he said. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.,” the president wrote.

His comments on Samsung “and anybody that makes that product” were added later in response to questions at the White House, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Apple investment in US
Cook met with Trump at the White House this week, according to a White House official. Apple has previously pledged to spend USD 500 billion on its operations in the US. However, this is largely with or by suppliers, and Apple continues to manufacture iPhones in Asia.

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The US government previously exempted smartphones from most of its tariffs on China. In response to the threat of a China-US trade war, Apple started early this year shifting more production to India and Vietnam with its partner Foxconn in order to avoid any impact.

The US is Apple’s biggest market for iPhones, and the company accounts for over half of the smartphone market there.

According to figures from Counterpoint Research, Apple had a 57 percent share of the US market in Q1 2025, followed by Samsung with 25 percent and Lenovo (Motorola) with 11 percent.

Shipments of iPhones and other smartphones made in China to the US fell to their lowest level since 2011 in April, according to Chinese customs data reported separately by Bloomberg.

Smartphone exports were down 72 percent to less than USD 700 million during the month, compared to a 21 percent fall in overall Chinese exports to the US. Smartphones were the number one export from China to the US in the year 2024.

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MTN Group and Airtel Africa have agreed to share network infrastructure in Nigeria and Uganda while complying with local regulatory and statutory requirements, as reported by Telecompaper.

They aim to improve network cost efficiencies, expand coverage and enhance mobile services for millions of customers, particularly those in remote and rural areas.

They are exploring opportunities in other markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda and Zambia, and considering agreements for areas such as RAN sharing, fibre infrastructure sharing and, if necessary, the construction of fibre networks.

The two companies said they are committed to working with other mobile operators in the countries where they have a presence, to achieve the advantages of network sharing.

The parties will continue to function as independent market entities and will compete freely in shared markets. This engagement does not preclude the parties from collaborating with other operators in any respective market, they added.

The Secretary of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, has commended the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO), for their collaboration with Nigerian government to deepen rural connectivity for socio-economic development of the country.

Arowosafe gave the commendation at an Industry-Focused Stakeholders Engagement Session which was organised in Lagos over the weekend by the USPF in in collaboration with the UK FCDO and the ITU. The session built on USPF’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the achievement of wide network connectivity coverage in unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.

The event was attended by the Hon. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Faruk Yabo; the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida; Chief Executives of telecommunications companies, State ICT commissioners, notable industry players, trade associations, development partners, key speakers, distinguished guests and staff of both NCC and the USPF.

The Minister spoke on the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to provide enabling policy directions and initiatives towards ensuring greater connectivity in Nigeria to transform the socio-economic development of Nigeria while the NCC boss, Maida emphasized the Commission’s resolve to continue to back all USPF projects through effective regulatory measures that help in accelerating deployment of necessary digital infrastructure that support the achievement of the Federal Governments’ priority areas and ministerial blueprint.

Speaking at the event, Arowosafe said the engagement reflected the USPF’s shared vision and commitment to expanding inclusive connectivity and that the presence of all other stakeholders at the event underscored the vital role of collaboration in achieving the goal.

He said the theme of this workshop, “Fostering Connectivity in Unserved and Underserved Communities: Collaborating for Sustainable Growth”, highlighted  government’s dedication to bridging the digital divide, in alignment with NCC’s Strategic Focus Areas, the Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint, and 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, private sector, non-governmental organisations (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,” he said.

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The USPF Secretary stated that ahead of the session, the USPF gathered input from stakeholders through questionnaires. He said the responses obtained shaped the panel discussions, focused on key strategies to foster connectivity through collaboration and partnerships, strengthen capacity building and security, and explore innovative funding mechanisms for sustainable connectivity.

He said the engagement, thus, offered a platform for robust dialogue and practical solutions that address our unique challenges and help improve telecommunications access in underserved regions, while encouraging participants to actively participate, share their expertise, and contribute to shaping outcomes that will strengthen the nation’s digital ecosystem and improve the lives of all Nigerians.

“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,” he said.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called upon government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, development partners, and telecommunications trade organizations to engage in collaborative efforts aimed at achieving digital inclusion throughout the nation.

Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who made the call at the Industry-Focused Stakeholders’ Engagement Session of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) held in Lagos, stressed that the evolving telecommunications landscape necessitates innovative and collaborative approaches to ensure long-term viability in delivering connectivity to unserved and underserved populations.

To this extent, Maida noted that the NCC, through the USPF, has been leading initiatives to provide universal access and service, aligning with national and global goals, including bridging the digital divide, promoting universal access, fostering economic growth, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education) and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

According to him, the USPF has successfully implemented projects under its access and connectivity programs, including the deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and Backbone Transmission and Infrastructure.

Dr. Maida said the engagement provided a platform to discuss strategies to enhance the impact of these projects through strengthened partnerships.

“To achieve digital inclusion, government agencies, mobile network operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, development partners, and telecom trade groups must work closely together,” he said.

“A multi-stakeholder approach is essential to: Explore innovative financing models to attract investment in rural telecommunications; Leverage emerging technologies and alternative power solutions for sustainable connectivity and Promote policies that incentivize collaborative participation in connectivity projects.”

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He called on all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships. “Let us harness our collective expertise, resources, and innovative capabilities to build a resilient and sustainable telecommunication infrastructure that will empower millions of Nigerians. We must remember that collaboration remains the cornerstone of sustainable development in this sector.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, stated that over the last 25 years, Nigeria has made significant strides in expanding connectivity and strengthening its digital technology infrastructure. He stressed that in recent years, broadband penetration has been growing significantly, bringing millions more Nigerians online and enabling new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital inclusion.

Despite the expansion, the Minister noted that there are still millions of Nigerians on the fringes of digital transformation who are yet to have access to reliable connectivity.

“Many communities—particularly rural areas—face significant barriers, including inadequate infrastructure and limited digital literacy. These gaps not only hinder personal and business growth but also limit the full potential of Nigeria’s digital economy”, he said.

According to Tijani, USPF has been a critical instrument in the Federal Government’s mission to extend connectivity to these communities, adding; “By supporting infrastructure expansion, fostering local innovation, and driving inclusive policies, the USPF aligns with the His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR)’s goal of enabling meaningful and affordable connectivity for all Nigerians”.

The session aimed to gather key industry stakeholders to provide insights on strategies to enhance USPF interventions and foster partnerships for Nigeria’s digital future.

Photo Credit: TheNiche

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