Telcos Urge Government for Investment-Friendly Policies

Telecom operators, under the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), called on the federal government for policy consistency and regulatory certainty to attract further investments in the telecom sector during the 12th edition of ICTEL EXPO 2026 in Lagos. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON, delivered a keynote address themed ‘Building Nigeria’s Digital Economy: Telecommunications as the Foundation for Investment, Innovation and Inclusive Growth’.

He stressed the necessity for an investment-friendly environment, highlighting the need for billions of dollars in sustained investment to expand fiber networks, improve rural connectivity, and deploy 5G technology. Adebayo noted that such investments require confidence in the operating environment, which can be fostered through efficient Right-of-Way processes, reduction of multiple taxation, and elimination of infrastructure vandalism.

He praised the federal government for a strategic tariff adjustment in 2025 that resulted in a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, which helped restore industry sustainability. In 2025, Mobile Network Operators and other industry players invested approximately ₦2.13 trillion in capital expenditure.