Digital inclusivity is regarded as a situation whereby everyone can access, use, and benefit from digital tech like the internet and smartphones. It’s about ensuring no one’s left behind due to lack of skills, affordability, or connectivity . Think of it as making sure everyone has a seat at the digital table!
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is on a mission to ensure digital inclusivity in Nigeria. Under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, the commission is working tirelessly to bridge the digital divide and make the internet accessible to all Nigerians.
Some of the key initiatives that have been put in place to drive digital inclusivity especially in rural settings include the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), which aims to provide digital connectivity to rural and underserved areas. It is used to deploy telecom base stations and fibre-optic infrastructure in rural communities, making digital services more affordable and accessible. Through programs like RUBI and AMPE, the USPF is deploying telecom base stations and fibre-optic infrastructure to these areas, making digital services cheaper, manageable and readily accessible.
The NCC has also initiated the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index (NDCI). Launched in October 2025, this index tracks progress and identifies areas that need improvement, fostering interstate competition and serve as a benchmark for digital readiness and guided to investment decisions.
The NCC is also organizing the Digital Economy Awareness and Sensitization Forum as a mean of promoting digital literacy. The expectation is that this will bring together industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss ways to bridge the digital divide and expand access to opportunities in the digital space. The forum aims to design inclusive digital policies, promote access to infrastructure as well as develope adaptive digital literacy programs.
The NCC’s efforts at creating a digital space that is not only accommodating but also readily accessible,without doubt, are paying off, with Nigeria’s broadband penetration rate increasing to 48.81% as of August 2025. However, there is still a significant gap, with urban areas accounting for 80% of national data traffic, while rural areas lag behind at 23% internet access.
The Commission’s commitment to digital inclusivity is evident in its strive ensure that the digital space is safe, accessible, and resilient. As Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, NCC, said, “Digital empowerment must be inclusive. Without inclusion and equity, the benefits of the digital economy will remain unevenly distributed”.
Infact, itis believed that the benefits and impact of digital inclusivity on Nigeria’s economy are enormous considering its potential to empower and equip the rural populace with the skill and tools to harness the resources in their locality.
With broadband penetration increasing to 48.81% as of August 2025, the NCC’s efforts are expected to further unlock rural economic potentials, improve education and healthcare, as well as increase financial inclusion.
Telecom experts are of the view that the NCC is also working to ensure that digital transformation benefits every segment of society, with the right digital policies, infrastructure deployment, and development of adaptive digital literacy programs.
As the Commission ventures into 2026 with the aim to atrain 70% digital literacy by 2027, the belief is that the achievement of this goal will not present serious difficulties as the NCC implements initiatives that will aid and accelerate digital inclusivity across the country.