The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has harped again its commitment in accelerating the Green Telecoms Initiative in order to move the country’s digital infrastructure towards sustainable eco-friendly technologies in line with emerging global best practice. The Commission projects that this would lead to 50per cent cost reduction among other benefits.
Part of ways to achieve this is by encouraging operators to adopt renewable energy solutions over carbon heavy generating sets with a view to cutting operating cost by 30- 50 per cent while advancing environmental sustainability in the sector.
Speaking at the recently concluded Green Conference, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, noted that embracing the initiative would to a large extent, enable telecommunications operators in the country to achieve the dual purpose of cost reduction while promoting eco-friendly and sustainable operating environment for the country.
The CEO, who was represented by the Commission’s head of Projects, Mr. Shuaibu Swade said: “Nigeria’s telecommunications sector now sits at the critical intersection of connectivity and environmental sustainability.
“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.
“The expansion of digital infrastructure across Nigeria presents both an opportunity and a responsibility for the sector to reduce carbon emissions. We also wish to put it on record that telecoms operators are increasingly adopting energy‑efficient technologies and renewable‑power base stations as part of the industry’s transition towards greener infrastructure.”
He further disclosed that part of the objectives of the ongoing initiatives was to promote infrastructure sharing among operators, encouraging renewable energy solutions for telecom towers and improving responsible management of electronic waste generated by digital equipment.
It was also gathered that the NCC is currently strengthening Environmental, Social and Governance ESG, reporting standards across the telecommunications ecosystem to improve transparency and accountability on sustainability practices.
The Commission noted that digital technologies themselves help reduce emissions by enabling remote work, digital services and smart solutions that reduce the need for travel and other carbon‑intensive activities. The EVC told stakeholders at the event that the future of connectivity must be green and that the time to act is now.
