Abayomi Susan
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the Green Telecoms Initiative, a strategic effort to transition Nigeria’s digital infrastructure toward environmentally sustainable technologies in line with global best practices.
The initiative is projected to achieve up to 50 per cent cost reduction in the telecommunications sector while promoting eco-friendly operations.
Speaking at the recently concluded Green Conference, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, stated that adopting green telecoms will enable operators to realize substantial cost savings alongside enhanced environmental sustainability. Represented at the event by the Commission’s Head of Projects, Mr. Shuaibu Swade, Dr. Maida emphasized that Nigeria’s telecom sector sits at the intersection of connectivity and environmental responsibility.
“As a telecommunications regulator, we stand at the intersection of connectivity and sustainability. Telecommunications is the backbone of the digital economy, but it must also serve as a pillar of environmental responsibility,” he said.
Dr. Maida highlighted that expanding digital infrastructure presents both opportunities and obligations for operators to reduce carbon emissions through energy-efficient technologies and renewable-powered base stations.
The NCC noted that a key strategy to achieve the initiative’s objectives involves encouraging telecom operators to replace carbon-intensive generators with renewable energy solutions—a move projected to cut operating costs by 30 to 50 per cent.
Mr. Swade further outlined additional focus areas, including infrastructure sharing among operators, the promotion of renewable energy for telecom towers, and enhanced management of electronic waste generated by digital equipment.
The Commission also announced plans to strengthen Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting standards across the telecommunications ecosystem, enhancing transparency and accountability in sustainability practices.
According to the NCC, digital technologies can further reduce emissions by enabling remote work, digital services, and smart solutions that minimize travel and other carbon-intensive activities.
Conference stakeholders highlighted that green telecom networks offer both environmental and economic benefits, including lower operational costs, increased network resilience, and improved connectivity in underserved rural areas.
The NCC concluded by reiterating that the future of connectivity must be environmentally sustainable, urging industry players to adopt green solutions without delay.
