The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is in the process of introducing a policy to encourage the adoption of clean energy in the telecommunications sector. Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the executive vice chairman/CEO of NCC, revealed this during a roundtable discussion with Academia, industry, and other stakeholders in Lagos. He emphasized that studies have indicated renewables, energy efficiency, and electrification could achieve more than 90% reduction in energy-related carbon emissions.
Danbatta highlighted the telecom sector’s significant role in transitioning to a sustainable energy future, underlining the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure its environmentally friendly growth aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He expressed NCC’s commitment to promoting regulatory initiatives for renewable and ethical energy sources to safeguard the environment and contribute to net-zero emissions.
In pursuit of this vision, Danbatta mentioned the forthcoming policy aiming to encourage ethical energy sourcing in the telecommunications sector. This policy would establish a framework for telecom service providers to embrace clean and sustainable energy sources, reducing carbon footprint and fostering a greener future. He believed the policy would not only benefit the environment but also stimulate innovation and create new business opportunities in the industry.
To realize this vision, Danbatta emphasized the need for collaboration and partnership with Academia and other stakeholders, recognizing Academia’s pivotal role in advancing research and innovation for transformative industry changes.