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The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday approved a total sum of ₦287.47 billion as the 2025 budget allocations for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) — both key institutions driving the country’s digital and telecommunications agenda.
Of the approved sum, ₦272.47 billion was allocated to the NCC, while ₦15 billion was earmarked for the USPF.
These approvals followed the presentation of budget reports by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communications, Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis, during plenary.
Presenting the report, Senator Bilbis underscored the critical role of the NCC in steering Nigeria’s digital transformation and connectivity goals.
“The Nigerian Communications Commission remains the principal regulatory body for the country’s telecommunications sector,” he stated. “Its financial plan is central to ensuring Nigeria’s regulatory readiness and expanding digital access across all zones.”
Bilbis appealed to his fellow lawmakers to approve the committee’s recommendations, emphasizing the strategic importance of the NCC’s 2025 budget to national development.
He formally moved the motion, saying: “Your Excellency, I urge the Senate to approve the recommendation of the committee, which includes the sum of ₦272,473,805,000 for the NCC’s operations and regulatory interventions.”
In a related development, the Senate also approved the 2025 budget of the Universal Service Provision Fund, a subsidiary managed by the NCC.
The fund is designed to extend telecommunications access to underserved and rural communities, thereby bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.
Providing details of the fund’s allocation, Senator Bilbis explained that the ₦15 billion budget for the USPF includes ₦10.9 billion for projects and programmes, ₦4.04 billion for recurrent expenditure, and ₦53.96 million for capital projects.
He urged the Senate to endorse this budget as essential for deepening digital inclusion across the country.
“These funds are targeted at ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of geographical location, can access reliable telecommunications services,” Bilbis added.
The approval of both budgets coincides with the Senate’s ongoing deliberation on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, 2025.
The proposed legislation aims to strengthen digital service delivery across government institutions and accelerate governance reforms through enhanced e-governance infrastructure.
With these budgetary approvals, the Senate has signaled its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy agenda and expanding the nation’s telecommunications footprint to foster inclusive growth and national development.