Telecoms body, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has called for closer collaboration between the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to develop a more comprehensive investment-reporting framework to better position Nigeria as a credible destination for telecommunications investment, strengthen investor confidence and support sound public policy.
This call is coming on the heels of a reported investment of about ₦2.13 trillion in capital expenditure by Mobile Network Operators, Tower Companies and other industry players in 2025, and an additional planned ₦1.86 trillion in investment to expand network infrastructure, modernise technology, improve resilience and enhance quality of service across the country in 2026.
Speaking on the theme “Africa’s Next Tech Frontier: Building, Securing & Scaling Digital Prosperity” at the two-day Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) International Business Conference & Expo, which ended in Lagos on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, in his Keynote Speech addressed issue on telecommunications as the foundation of Nigeria’s digital economy; the importance of protecting Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII); the need to create an investment-friendly environment for continued network expansion; the need for sustained industry investment and policy consistency and the role of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria’s future and the infrastructure required to support it.
“These figures demonstrate that, despite prevailing economic headwinds, telecommunications operators remain firmly committed to building Nigeria’s digital future.
However, investment is not measured solely by foreign capital inflows. A substantial proportion of telecommunications investment is financed through domestic capital, reinvested earnings and other financing mechanisms that are not fully captured by conventional capital importation statistics. This creates a gap between reported investment figures and the actual level of infrastructure deployment taking place across the country,” the ALTON Chairman said.
While acknowledging that every modern economy is now powered by digital connectivity, Adebayo noted that the future competitiveness of Nigeria will depend not simply on the quality of roads and ports, but equally on the quality, reach and resilience of our digital infrastructure.
According to him, Nigeria possesses one of Africa’s largest digital markets with a blend of youthful population, entrepreneurial culture and growing technology ecosystem, which can position the country to become the continent’s digital powerhouse.
He pointed out that Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, fintech, e-commerce, digital media, smart manufacturing, precision agriculture and Industry 4.0 all depend fundamentally on reliable broadband infrastructure.
“Without resilient telecommunications networks, there can be no meaningful AI economy. Without fibre infrastructure, there can be no digital industrialisation. Without continuous investment in networks, there can be no sustainable digital transformation. Telecommunications is therefore not simply supporting the economy—it is becoming the economy’s digital backbone,” he posited.
While also commending Federal Government’s designation of telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), the ALTON boss noted that the duty lies on the shoulders of all Nigerians. “Protecting telecommunications infrastructure is therefore not solely a security responsibility. It requires a Whole-of-Society approach involving government, regulators, operators, businesses, local communities and law enforcement agencies. Infrastructure protection must become a shared national responsibility.”
He charged network operators to improve redundancy and business continuity, and leverage Artificial Intelligence to improve network management, predictive maintenance and cybersecurity.
Speaking further on the need for huge investment in telecommunications, he emphasised: “Nigeria requires sustained investment running into billions of dollars to expand fibre networks, improve rural connectivity, deploy 5G and prepare for emerging technologies.”
Such investment, Adebayo noted, can only occur where investors have confidence in the operating environment.
This requires:
- Policy consistency
- Regulatory certainty
- Protection of investments
- Efficient Right-of-Way processes
- Reduction of multiple taxation
- Elimination of infrastructure vandalism
- Faster approvals for network deployment
LCCI, had in a letter to the ALTON Chairman sought his imvaluable insight into industry issues that bother on the future of Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape; Policy and regulatory collaboration for digital growth; Infrastructure protection and investment sustainability and the role of telecom operators in enabling Africa’s digital prosperity.
The letter signed by LCCI Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Chinyere Almona further extolled the contributions of Engr. Adebayo and the Association: “As Chairman of ALTON and a distinguished leader within Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem, your contributions to policy advocacy, industry sustainability, infrastructure expansion, and stakeholder collaboration have significantly shaped the growth trajectory of the telecom sector. Your leadership has strengthened the relationship between regulators and operators while promoting innovation, resilience, and investment confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Given ALTON’s pivotal role in advancing connectivity, broadband penetration, right-of-way reforms and sector-wide sustainability, your keynote address would provide invaluable insight”
The ICTEL EXPO, organised by the ICT Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), continues to champion sustainable digital growth in Nigeria and across Africa. Recognised as one of the nation’s foremost technology and business convergence platforms, the EXPO brings together policy makers, regulators, telecom operators, technology companies, startups, investors, and enterprise leaders from across the continent, to explore emerging trends shaping the future of Digital Economy.
Founded in 1888, LCCI is a leading private sector organisation, the collective voice of the business community regarding investment climate and the economy, whose primary objective is to promote and protect the interests of its members, advancing their concerns across 26 sectors, including the ICT Group. It promotes the broader business community through public policy advocacy, business development services, and the highest standards of corporate ethics.
