The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) says telecommunications companies have invested billions of dollars over the past 25 years to close Nigeria’s digital divide, describing the sector as the critical foundation supporting the country’s expanding digital economy.

The position was presented by ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, during his keynote address titled “A Chronicle of Telecom Operators’ Efforts in Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide Through Innovation: Achievements, Challenges and Future Prospects,” at the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) Innovative Conference 2026. The conference was held under the theme, “Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide with Scientific Innovation.”

Reflecting on the sector’s transformation, Adebayo said Nigeria’s telecommunications industry has recorded one of Africa’s most significant digital and economic success stories, expanding from fewer than 500,000 connected telephone lines before GSM liberalisation in 2001 to more than 200 million active subscriptions today.

“Nigeria’s telecommunications sector represents one of Africa’s most remarkable success stories in economic liberalisation and digital transformation,” he said, adding that the industry has transformed “from a privileged service available to a few into the critical infrastructure that underpins nearly every aspect of modern life.”

According to him, telecommunications infrastructure now supports virtually every segment of the nation’s digital economy, including banking, healthcare, education, agriculture, governance, commerce, security and entertainment.

“Every digital payment, online classroom, telemedicine consultation, emergency response and e-government service depends on reliable telecommunications networks,” he said, stressing that the industry’s impact “extends far beyond communications; it has become the backbone of national development.”

Adebayo disclosed that operators have invested billions of dollars in expanding mobile networks, fibre-optic infrastructure, international connectivity, data centres, cloud platforms, renewable energy systems and advanced technologies such as 5G.

He noted that these investments have accelerated broadband penetration, strengthened financial inclusion and unlocked new opportunities for digital entrepreneurship and innovation nationwide.

Tracing the industry’s development, the ALTON chairman explained that telecommunications has progressed from nationwide GSM voice deployment to mobile internet through GPRS, EDGE and 3G technologies before advancing to 4G, Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) and 5G, positioning Nigeria for the next phase of digital innovation.

He added that operators have continued extending services to rural and underserved communities through network expansion, infrastructure sharing, renewable energy solutions and strategic collaboration with government, improving access to healthcare, education, financial services and economic opportunities.

Industry challenges threaten future investment

Despite the sector’s achievements, Adebayo warned that several long-standing challenges continue to slow investment.

“Multiple taxation, inconsistent Rightof-Way policies, vandalism and theft of telecommunications infrastructure, rising energy costs, foreign exchange volatility, regulatory uncertainty and affordability constraints all threaten the pace of future investment,” he stated.

Looking ahead, he identified Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, satellite broadband and 5G as technologies capable of driving deeper digital inclusion, higher productivity and increased innovation, provided that sustained investments and supportive government policies remain in place.

“Bridging Nigeria’s digital divide is a shared national responsibility,” he declared, adding that “universal digital inclusion will require continued partnership across all levels of government, the private sector and civil society.”

Tinubu administration, NCC receive commendation

Adebayo praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for recognising digital infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and national development, noting that its policy direction has strengthened investor confidence.

He also commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), under the leadership of Dr. Aminu Maida, for maintaining what he described as a transparent, consultative and evidence-based regulatory framework.

“The Commission has continued to demonstrate that effective regulation is achieved not through confrontation but through collaboration, balancing consumer protection with the need for a sustainable industry capable of attracting continued investment,” he said.

Among the notable achievements highlighted were the resolution of the long-running USSD debt dispute involving telecom operators and banks, the review of retail tariff frameworks following years of increasing operational costs, and the implementation of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) framework.

Network quality requires collective action

Speaking on service quality, Adebayo argued that telecom operators should not bear sole responsibility for network performance.

“Quality of Service (QoS) cannot be improved through fines and penalties alone,” he said.

While reaffirming operators’ commitment to consumers, he explained that service quality is significantly affected by unreliable electricity supply, fibre cuts during road construction, vandalism, insecurity, Right-of-Way delays and multiple taxation.

To address these issues, he advocated what he described as a “Whole-of-Society Approach” to protecting telecommunications infrastructure and improving network reliability.

He also urged Nigerians to actively safeguard telecom infrastructure.

“If you see anyone tampering with telecommunications infrastructure, report it. If you see something, say something,” he urged, noting that every citizen has a role to play in ensuring network stability and improved quality of service.

ALTON dismisses tariff increase speculation

Addressing reports suggesting that the Nigerian Communications Commission’s ongoing Mobile Termination Rate (MTR) cost study could lead to higher telecom tariffs, Adebayo dismissed the claims.

“That interpretation is incorrect,” he said, explaining that the exercise is strictly a wholesale interconnection cost determination and not a proposal to increase consumer tariffs.

He further clarified:

“As I have previously stated publicly, there is currently no industry proposal before the NCC seeking a review of retail tariffs arising from this exercise,” he added, noting that operators are instead focused on “improving customer experience, expanding coverage, increasing network resilience and delivering greater value to subscribers.”

Reaffirming ALTON’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation, Adebayo said telecommunications has become indispensable to national development.

“Telecommunications is no longer simply an industry; it is the foundation upon which Nigeria’s digital future is being built. Every investment in resilient telecommunications infrastructure is an investment in economic growth, innovation, national security and inclusive development,” he said.

He concluded by expressing confidence that continued collaboration and sustained investment would accelerate the country’s digital progress.

“Nigeria will not only bridge its digital divide but will emerge as one of the world’s leading digital economies.”

Source: Independent