The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Green Telecoms Initiative, a strategic programme aimed at transitioning Nigeria’s digital infrastructure toward environmentally sustainable technologies in line with global standards.
The Commission said the initiative could deliver up to 50 per cent reduction in operational costs across the telecommunications sector, while promoting eco-friendly practices among operators.
Speaking at a recent Green Conference, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, noted that the adoption of green technologies would enable telecom operators to achieve significant cost savings alongside improved environmental performance. He was represented at the event by the Commission’s Head of Projects, Shuaibu Swade.
Maida emphasised that Nigeria’s telecom industry occupies a critical position at the intersection of connectivity and environmental responsibility, describing the sector as a backbone of the digital economy that must also support sustainability goals.
He pointed out that the ongoing expansion of digital infrastructure presents both opportunities and responsibilities, particularly in reducing carbon emissions through the deployment of energy-efficient technologies and renewable-powered base stations.
According to the NCC, a central component of the initiative involves encouraging operators to replace carbon-intensive diesel generators with renewable energy solutions—an approach projected to cut operating costs by between 30 and 50 per cent.
Additional focus areas outlined by the Commission include infrastructure sharing among telecom operators, wider adoption of renewable energy for telecom towers, and improved management of electronic waste generated by digital equipment.
The NCC also disclosed plans to strengthen Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting standards across the sector to enhance transparency and accountability in sustainability practices.
Stakeholders at the conference noted that green telecom networks could deliver both environmental and economic benefits, including lower operational costs, improved network resilience, and expanded connectivity in underserved rural communities.
Reiterating its position, the Commission urged industry players to accelerate the adoption of sustainable solutions, stressing that the future of connectivity must align with environmental sustainability.