Nigeria’s telecommunications operators have called for stronger government support and improved protection of telecom infrastructure to sustain the country’s digital transformation. The operators said consistent policies, better infrastructure security and a more investment-friendly environment were essential to preserving the gains recorded by the sector over the past two decades.
Speaking at the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) Innovative and Scientific Conference 2026 in Lagos, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, described telecommunications as one of Africa’s major digital success stories.
Presenting a paper titled, “A Chronicle of Telecom Operators’ Efforts in Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide Through Innovation: Achievements, Challenges and Future Prospects,” Adebayo said Nigeria had moved from fewer than 500,000 connected telephone lines before GSM liberalisation in 2001 to more than 200 million active subscriptions.
According to him, telecommunications had evolved beyond voice calls to become the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy. He noted that digital payments, online education, telemedicine, emergency services and electronic government platforms all depend heavily on reliable telecommunications networks.
Despite the sector’s expansion, Adebayo said operators continued to face challenges threatening further investment. He identified multiple taxation, inconsistent Right-of-Way policies, infrastructure vandalism, high energy costs, foreign exchange volatility and insecurity among the major obstacles confronting telecom companies.
Adebayo stressed that improving network quality would require more than regulatory penalties, noting that fibre cuts, vandalism, unreliable electricity and delays in obtaining Right-of-Way approvals could significantly affect network performance.
He therefore renewed calls for stronger telecom infrastructure protection, arguing that telecommunications infrastructure had become critical to Nigeria’s economic and national development. He said investments in resilient networks would support economic growth, innovation, national security and broader digital inclusion.
Adebayo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for recognising digital infrastructure as essential to economic development.
He praised the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), under its Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, for what he described as a transparent and consultative regulatory approach. He also welcomed the implementation of the Critical National Information Infrastructure framework and the resolution of the long-running USSD debt dispute between banks and telecommunications operators.
Addressing speculation that the NCC’s ongoing Mobile Termination Rate cost study could result in another increase in telecom tariffs, Adebayo dismissed the reports.
He said there was currently no industry proposal before the commission seeking a review of retail tariffs as a result of the exercise. According to him, operators are currently focused on improving customer experience, expanding network coverage, strengthening resilience and providing greater value to subscribers.
Earlier, NITRA President, Chike Onwuegbuchi, said the conference was designed to promote discussions around policies and innovations capable of accelerating digital inclusion. He called for stronger collaboration among government, regulators, private-sector players and civil society.
Onwuegbuchi also urged greater investment in digital infrastructure and quality education, saying such measures would prepare more Nigerians for opportunities in the digital economy. He expressed optimism that recommendations from the conference would help expand broadband access, encourage scientific innovation and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy.
