Telecoms operators see biggest growth post-COVID as investments surge

By Chinenye Anuforo

Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has entered its strongest growth phase since the COVID-19 pandemic, with operators unlocking new investments, expanding networks, and rebranding for renewed confidence in the market.

The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, disclosed this over the weekend at the unveiling of Nigeria’s first Digital Museum, an initiative spearheaded by IHS Towers to preserve the nation’s history while promoting digital innovation.

According to him, the long-awaited rebound is now evident across the industry. “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 infrastructure, and migrating more sites to high-speed fibre connections,” he said.

He revealed that tower companies have also stepped up efforts to curb vandalism and theft by fitting generators and removable batteries with digital trackers. “We strongly advise the public to desist from buying equipment suspected to have been stolen from telecom sites,” he warned.

The ALTON Chairman noted that operators are investing heavily in capacity building to adapt to emerging technologies, in line with stricter service-level requirements set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). “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 said.

On governance, he welcomed the inauguration of the new NCC Board chaired by Mr. Idris Olorunimbe, alongside the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, describing the leadership as a guarantee of stability and sustainable growth for the sector.

Adebayo also hailed the rebranding of Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services (EMTS) from 9Mobile to T2, calling it a major milestone that boosts investor confidence. “This rebirth assures the public that there are good times ahead for our industry, and we are very excited about what the future holds,” he added.

But the ALTON Chairman cautioned state governments against stifling growth through Right of Way (RoW) restrictions, warning that hostile states risk being left behind. “The digital train is moving very fast. States that create hostile conditions for telecom operations risk being left behind,” he said.

On fiscal reforms, Adebayo commended the Federal Government and the Presidential Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform Committee for moves to streamline Nigeria’s tax system and end multiple taxation. He expressed optimism that the over 56 taxes and levies borne by operators would soon be eliminated, with implementation expected from January 2026.

“The transformation we are witnessing in our sector has not been experienced in recent years. The industry is on the march again, and 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,” Adebayo concluded.