Digital Connectivity: NCC, Investors Seek Fresh Capital for Infrastructure Expansion

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and key stakeholders in the digital economy have unveiled a set of resolutions aimed at unlocking investment and accelerating the deployment of digital infrastructure across Nigeria.

The resolutions emerged from the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum 2026, which brought together regulators, investors, telecommunications operators, infrastructure providers, development finance institutions and technology companies to examine the country’s connectivity needs and investment barriers.

The forum, organised by the NCC in collaboration with Swedfund and Ookla, focused on measures to attract public and private capital into broadband and telecommunications infrastructure, improve network quality and expand access to underserved areas.

The NCC said the outcome of the forum would help strengthen collaboration between government and investors while providing a framework for identifying areas where additional investment is required to improve digital connectivity.

The executive vice chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, had said Nigeria’s growing demand for digital services made sustained investment in network infrastructure imperative.

According to him, data consumption in Nigeria rose from about 1.13 million terabytes in July 2025 to approximately 1.66 million terabytes in July 2026, representing an increase of nearly 47 per cent in one year.

He said the growth in demand was placing additional pressure on existing infrastructure and required increased investment in network expansion, modernisation and quality-of-service improvements.

“The investment challenge before us is not merely one of expanding coverage. It is also about ensuring that those already connected enjoy better service quality, improved user experiences, and infrastructure capable of supporting future technologies,” Maida said.

The NCC boss said the regulatory environment must continue to provide certainty for investors, noting that the commission was committed to evidence-based regulation, consumer protection and fair competition.

He also identified engagements with state governments on Right of Way issues and the designation of telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure as measures aimed at reducing barriers to infrastructure deployment.

Similarly, the minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said digital infrastructure had become an important determinant of the investment climate and Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade.

Represented at the forum, Oduwole noted that the nature of trade had changed significantly, with private networks, data centres, digital platforms and secure data systems becoming increasingly important to modern economic activities.

She said the country’s ability to attract investment and participate effectively in global trade would increasingly depend on the quality, reliability and availability of its digital infrastructure.

The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, also identified gaps in connectivity coverage, quality, affordability and supporting infrastructure as areas requiring coordinated intervention by government, industry and investors.

Westerholm said investment in digital infrastructure should also address energy, cybersecurity and digital skills, which she described as critical components of a sustainable connectivity ecosystem.

She added that Swedish institutions and companies were interested in deepening commercial and investment relations with Nigeria, particularly in digitalisation and connectivity.

Meanwhile, Ookla’s vice president of Sales for Middle East and Africa, Tristan Muhader, said connectivity had evolved beyond being a channel for communication and internet access to becoming an important layer for economic and public activities.

According to her, independent data on network performance and consumer experience could help investors and policymakers identify areas requiring infrastructure deployment and assess the impact of network disruptions.

Representing the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, the Director of the National Frequency Management Council, Adetunji Adeyemo, said reliable, affordable, resilient and accessible digital infrastructure was essential to Nigeria’s economic transformation

He said government had identified infrastructure, policy and innovation, entrepreneurship and capital as key areas requiring attention in advancing the country’s digital economy.

The forum also highlighted the growing need for stronger data-driven approaches to infrastructure planning, as rising adoption of cloud services, digital platforms and artificial intelligence continues to increase demand for reliable connectivity.

The NCC said its collaboration with Ookla and Swedfund would provide additional insights into network performance and connectivity gaps, helping stakeholders better understand where investment is most needed.

The commission said the broader objective was to ensure that increased investment in digital infrastructure translates into improved connectivity, better quality of service and greater economic opportunities for Nigerians.