Fresh Wave Of Investments, Infrastructure Upgrades Trigger Telecoms Growth

The chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr Gbenga Adebayo, has stated that Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is regaining momentum with a fresh wave of investments and infrastructure upgrades.

Speaking at the unveiling of Nigeria’s first Digital Museum over the weekend, Engr. Adebayo applauded the initiative led by IHS Towers and described it as a commendable example of the private sector’s commitment to national development.

According to him, by investing in preserving Nigeria’s past while simultaneously building the infrastructure for the future, IHS has set a remarkable benchmark for corporate citizenship within the telecoms space.

While turning attention to industry performance, the ALTON chairman declared that the sector is once again on a strong growth trajectory, following earlier concerns around sustainability.

“After addressing sustainability concerns earlier in the year, we are now witnessing significant new investments in the sector, the highest we’ve seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic,” Adebayo said.

He added that operators are not just maintaining infrastructure but actively optimising networks, expanding site coverage to meet growing capacity demands, and transitioning from outdated radio links to high-speed fibre.

He emphasised that Tower Companies (TowerCos) also enhance site security to curb theft and vandalism.

“Removable batteries and generators are now fitted with trackers to trace stolen equipment. We urge the public not to purchase telecom equipment suspected of being stolen. These criminal acts ultimately undermine service quality,” he cautioned.

On workforce development, Adebayo noted the sector’s ongoing commitment to skills upgrading, driven by evolving technology demands.

“We are training and retraining our workforce to adapt to emerging technologies. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set clear service level benchmarks, and as operators, we are committed to meeting and exceeding them. While optimisation efforts may occasionally lead to service disruptions, they are necessary steps toward delivering a vastly improved user experience nationwide.”

Adebayo also lauded the recent appointment of Idris Olorunimbe as chairman of the NCC Board, calling it a positive move for sector governance.

“We are very excited about Idris’ appointment. His track record of excellence speaks for itself. Alongside the executive vice chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, and other Commissioners, we believe the new Board will consolidate on the impressive progress already made and provide stability for future growth,” he said.

However, he welcomed the rebranding of 9Mobile to T2, saying, it signals renewed investor confidence and resilience within the sector.

While addressing policy challenges, he stressed that the cooperation from state governments remains crucial to expanding telecom infrastructure.

“The digital train is moving fast. States that make it difficult for telecom operators to function will be left behind. We won’t keep begging for collaboration. Where deployment is unwelcome, investments will move to more accommodating neighbouring states, and the consequences such as poor connectivity will be felt by residents,” he warned.

Similarly, Adebayo commended the federal government’s ongoing tax reforms, led by the Presidential Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform Committee, describing them as critical to easing the regulatory burden on operators.

“We are particularly optimistic about the reforms expected to take effect from January 2026. If properly implemented, they will eliminate the over 56 overlapping taxes and levies faced by our members across various jurisdictions,” he said.