The Senate on Tuesday approved a total budget of N272.47 billion for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and N15 billion for the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) for the 2025 fiscal year.
The decision followed the presentation of the reports by Senate Committee on Communications Chairman, Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, during plenary. Bilbis highlighted the NCC’s vital role in Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts, describing it as the regulatory authority for the telecommunications industry and a key driver of national connectivity goals.
“The commission’s budget is crucial to advancing Nigeria’s connectivity and regulatory capabilities,” Bilbis stated, urging lawmakers to support the committee’s recommendations.
The approved N272.47 billion NCC budget is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance broadband infrastructure, and support sectoral innovations.
Meanwhile, the Senate also approved N15 billion for the Universal Service Provision Fund, managed by the NCC to extend telecom services to underserved and rural communities across the country.
The USPF 2025 budget breakdown includes N10.9 billion for telecom projects and programmes, N4.04 billion for recurrent expenses, and N53.96 million for capital expenditure.
