Telecom stakeholders propose index to track sustainability

Nigerian telecom and technology stakeholders have introduced a National Telecom Sustainability Index to gauge the industry's environmental, social and governance performance. This proposal was unveiled at a working group meeting in Abuja, where industry leaders reviewed a draft framework for assessing sustainability in the telecom sector.

The index, presented by a TTSWG board member, Chris Uwaje, is composed of five pillars: Environment and Energy, Digital Inclusion and Affordability, Digital Integrity, Infrastructure Resilience and Governance, and Supply Chain and Local Value Creation. Each pillar addresses specific sustainability concerns, such as energy mix, digital coverage, data protection, and local content.

Uwaje highlighted that these metrics could enhance investor confidence by providing measurable performance indicators. The proposed framework aims to address challenges like rising energy costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and inadequate digital inclusion, while also promoting renewable energy and digital inclusion. The framework is currently a draft under review by stakeholders, with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yet to formally adopt it.

The NCC has expressed interest in collaborating but requires a formal document outlining the proposal.