NCC Inaugurates USPF Board to Deepen Digital Access Nationwide

NCC Inaugurates USPF Board to Deepen Digital Access Nationwide

L- R: Engr Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)/ Board Member Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF); Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, Chairman, NCC/Vice Chairman, USPF Board; Dr. Bosun Tijani, Hon Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy/ Chairman, USPF Board; Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO, NCC; Barr. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, NCC/ Board Member USPF, during the Inauguration Ceremony of USPF Board on the 27th March 2026 at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel.

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Board of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) in a renewed push to expand digital access and bridge connectivity gaps across Nigeria.

The inauguration ceremony, held on March 27, 2026, at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, brought together key stakeholders in the nation’s telecommunications sector, including top officials of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and Chairman of the USPF Board, Dr. Bosun Tijani, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging digital infrastructure as a catalyst for socio-economic development. He noted that the reconstituted Board is expected to strengthen policy direction and accelerate initiatives aimed at providing universal access to telecommunications services, particularly in underserved and unserved communities.

Also present at the ceremony was the Chairman of the NCC and Vice Chairman of the USPF Board, Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, who highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in achieving the Fund’s mandate. He emphasized that strategic partnerships would be critical in delivering sustainable connectivity solutions nationwide.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to regulatory excellence and innovation-driven growth. He stressed that the USPF remains a vital instrument for promoting inclusive digital development and ensuring that no community is left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

Other members of the Board include Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, and Barr. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, who both pledged their support towards advancing the objectives of the Fund.

The USPF, an initiative of the NCC, is designed to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and universal service in telecommunications. Through targeted interventions, the Fund supports the deployment of ICT infrastructure and services to rural, remote, and underserved areas across the country.

The inauguration of the new Board is widely seen as a strategic step towards strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy and fostering inclusive growth in line with global best practices.