FG Constitutes USPF Governing Board to Enhance Rural Digital Connectivity

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 Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and Chairman of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) Board, Bosun Tijani, has inaugurated the Governing Board of the USPF as part of efforts to reinforce rural connectivity across Nigeria.

The USPF, which operates under the supervision of the Nigerian Communications Commission, is a key vehicle for advancing the Federal Government’s rural access connectivity programme. The initiative, driven by the Ministry, is expected to extend digital services to over 4,000 underserved and unserved communities nationwide.

Dr. Tijani noted that expanding rural digital connectivity remains a central priority of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aligning with broader goals to deepen the digital economy, promote inclusivity, and stimulate wealth creation.

Established to support national policy objectives on universal access to information and communication technologies, the USPF plays a critical role in bridging connectivity gaps in rural Nigeria.

The Minister revealed that implementation of the programme is already underway, with encouraging feedback from beneficiary communities. He added that the initiative is projected to attract investments of up to $2 billion, including the deployment of approximately 15,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure nationwide, aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and improving citizens’ economic prospects.

According to him, the ongoing projects have positively impacted various segments of society, including youths, farmers, workers, and small businesses. He acknowledged that past investments had largely favoured urban centres, leaving rural areas underserved, and charged members of the newly inaugurated board to expedite efforts toward closing this gap.
He further disclosed that about 4,000 rural communities will be equipped with base stations, communication towers, and internet facilities for schools and healthcare institutions.

Dr. Tijani urged the USPF Board to remain focused on its mandate by ensuring the effective delivery of intervention programmes in rural areas.

In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida, welcomed the inauguration, noting that the USPF had operated without a governing board for an extended period. He expressed optimism that the development would ease operational burdens on the Commission and accelerate efforts to expand connectivity to rural communities, thereby fostering inclusive growth and development.