NCC Reaffirms Commitment To Green Telecoms
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the Green Telecoms Initiative as part of efforts to transition Nigeria’s digital infrastructure toward environmentally-sustainable technologies in line with global best practices.
The Commission stated that the initiative is expected to deliver up to 50 per cent cost reduction in the telecommunications sector, while also promoting eco-friendly operations.
Speaking at the recently-concluded Green Conference, NCC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, said embracing green telecoms would enable operators to achieve significant cost savings alongside improved environmental sustainability.
Represented by the Commission’s Head of Projects, Mr. Shuaibu Swade, Maida noted that Nigeria’s telecommunications 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 become a backbone of environmental responsibility,” he said.
The NCC EVC/CEO added that expanding digital infrastructure across the country presents both opportunities and obligations for operators to reduce carbon emissions through the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and renewable-powered base stations.
The Commission disclosed that one of the key strategies for achieving the initiative’s objectives is encouraging telecom operators to replace carbon-intensive generators with renewable energy solutions.
This, according to the Commission, could reduce operating costs by between 30 and 50 per cent.
Swade further highlighted other focus areas of the initiative, including infrastructure sharing among operators, promotion of renewable energy for telecom towers, and improved management of electronic waste generated by digital equipment.
The Commission also revealed that it is strengthening Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting standards across the telecommunications ecosystem to enhance transparency and accountability in sustainability practices.
