Elegbede Abiodun
NCC Pushes Green Telecoms Drive, Aims 50% Cost Cut In Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has renewed its commitment to accelerating its Green Telecoms Initiative, aiming to transform Nigeria’s digital infrastructure through environmentally sustainable technologies aligned with global best practices.
The Commission said the initiative could deliver up to a 50 per cent reduction in operating costs across the telecommunications sector, while also promoting eco-friendly and energy-efficient operations.
Speaking at a recently concluded Green Conference, the EVC and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasised that adopting green telecom solutions would enable operators to significantly cut costs while improving environmental performance.
Represented by the Commission’s Head of Projects, Mr. Shuaibu Swade, Maida noted that Nigeria’s telecom sector occupies a critical position at the crossroads 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 become a backbone of environmental responsibility,” he said.
He explained that the ongoing expansion of digital infrastructure presents both opportunities and obligations for operators, particularly in reducing carbon emissions through energy-efficient technologies and renewable-powered base stations.
A key pillar of the initiative, according to the NCC, is the transition from carbon-intensive power sources such as diesel generators to renewable energy solutions. This shift alone could lower operating costs by between 30 and 50 per cent.
Swade further identified other strategic focus areas, including infrastructure sharing among telecom operators, wider adoption of renewable energy for telecom towers, and improved management of electronic waste generated by digital equipment.
The Commission also disclosed plans to strengthen Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting standards across the telecom ecosystem, with the goal of improving transparency and accountability in sustainability practices.
Beyond environmental gains, the NCC highlighted the broader impact of digital technologies in reducing emissions by enabling remote work, expanding digital services, and supporting smart solutions that reduce reliance on travel and other carbon-intensive activities.
Stakeholders at the conference echoed these views, noting that green telecom networks not only lower operational costs but also enhance network resilience and expand connectivity to underserved rural communities.
Reaffirming its position, NCC stressed that the future of telecommunications must be environmentally sustainable, urging industry players to adopt green solutions with urgency.
