The Nigerian telecommunications sector is firmly back on a strong growth trajectory, according to the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo.
Adebayo made the remarks over the weekend at the unveiling of Nigeria’s first Digital Museum, an initiative designed to preserve and showcase the nation’s history and cultural heritage.
He commended IHS Towers for spearheading the project, describing it as “another clear demonstration of the industry’s commitment to the Nigerian project.”
He added that by investing in the preservation of Nigeria’s past while building the infrastructure of the future, IHS had set “a remarkable example of corporate citizenship.”
Speaking on the state of the industry, Adebayo highlighted renewed investor confidence and rising capital inflows after recent sustainability concerns were addressed.
“After addressing sustainability concerns earlier in the year, we are now witnessing significant new investments in the sector: the highest we have seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Members of ALTON are optimising networks, building new sites to meet rising capacity demands, upgrading existing infrastructure, and migrating more sites from old radio links to high-speed fibre connections,” he said.
He disclosed that Tower Companies (TowerCos) were taking fresh steps to secure telecom facilities from vandalism and theft. “Removable batteries and generators are now fitted with trackers to trace stolen items, and we strongly advise the public to desist from buying equipment suspected to have been stolen from telecom sites,” he cautioned.
On workforce development, the ALTON boss said the industry was investing heavily in skills to keep pace with global trends. “We are training and retraining our workforce to adapt to emerging technologies. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set strict service level requirements, and we are committed to not only meeting but surpassing them.
“Though network optimisation may occasionally cause service disruptions, we appeal to the public for understanding as these efforts will ultimately deliver a much-improved user experience nationwide.”
Adebayo also expressed optimism about the sector’s governance, hailing the inauguration of the new NCC Board chaired by Mr. Idris Olorunimbe. “We are very excited about the appointment of Mr. Idris. His reputation as a man of excellence precedes him.
“Working with the competent and visionary Executive Management Team led by the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, and the other Executive Commissioners, we are confident the sector is set on the right path to sustainability and growth. The new Board will strengthen the remarkable progress already achieved.”
He welcomed the rebranding of Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services (EMTS) from 9Mobile to T2, describing it as a significant development. “EMTS is a very important member of ALTON, and we are pleased to see their rebirth as T2.
“This rebranding enhances investor confidence and underscores the value of collaboration. It assures the public that there are good times ahead for our industry, and we are very excited about what the future holds,” he said.
Turning to the contentious issue of Right of Way (RoW) charges, Adebayo urged state governments to provide enabling environments for telecom investment. “The digital train is moving very fast. States that create hostile conditions for telecom operations risk being left behind. We will not continue to solicit endlessly for cooperation.
“Where deployment is unwelcome, investments will move to more supportive neighbouring states, and citizens of unfriendly states will inevitably suffer limited connectivity. We urge all state actors to partner with us so that no one is left behind in this rapid transformation.”
On taxation, the ALTON Chairman praised the Federal Government for reforms aimed at addressing multiple taxation, particularly through the work of the Presidential Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform Committee.
“We eagerly await the commencement of the implementation in January 2026. We are confident that the over 56 taxes and levies currently borne by our members across various jurisdictions will soon become a thing of the past,” he noted, adding that the reforms would promote entrepreneurship, attract investment, and foster a more business-friendly environment.
Adebayo closed his remarks by appreciating industry stakeholders and reaffirming ALTON’s commitment to the Nigeria project. “The transformation we are witnessing in our sector has not been experienced in recent years. We thank the leadership of the NCC for their commitment; we congratulate and welcome the new Board under the leadership of Mr. Idris Olorunimbe, and we look forward to even greater milestones ahead.
“The industry is on the march again, and together, with the support of the public in protecting our critical infrastructure, there is no stopping Nigeria’s telecommunications sector as a driver of national economic stability and growth.”