The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has projected that Nigeria’s telecommunications industry will move from a phase of consolidation in 2025 to a period of expansion in 2026.

ATCON President, Mr Tony Emoekpere, disclosed this while outlining his outlook for the sector in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

According to him, the expected expansion will be driven by renewed investor confidence, rising digital demand and improved policy coordination across the industry. He said the sector is entering 2026 with stronger fundamentals, supported by increased collaboration among operators, regulators and the Federal Government to deepen digital inclusion.

Emoekpere noted that the outlook reflects the industry’s resilience despite significant economic and operational pressures over the past year. He described 2025 as a period marked by stabilisation and careful capital discipline.

He said telecom operators, tower companies and internet service providers remained committed to the market despite challenges such as rising energy costs, foreign exchange volatility, high equipment import costs and persistent Right-of-Way (RoW) bottlenecks.

“Rather than retreat, industry players focused on network densification in high-demand corridors and accelerated the transition to solar and hybrid energy systems to reduce dependence on diesel,” he said.

On broadband growth, Emoekpere said data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed that Nigeria’s broadband penetration crossed the 50 per cent mark in 2025, driven by rising data consumption.

He attributed the growth to the increasing adoption of digital payments, streaming services, cloud computing and other online platforms in everyday life. He also commended the NCC for maintaining transparent industry reporting, enforcing Quality of Service standards and ensuring efficient spectrum management.

“These actions have helped preserve investor confidence in the sector,” Emoekpere said.

He added that growing demand from fintech, artificial intelligence and other data-intensive sectors would be a major growth driver in 2026. “If 2025 was about endurance, 2026 must be about execution, speed and scale,” he said.

Looking ahead, the ATCON president said industry players plan to intensify investments in data centres and last-mile broadband infrastructure, including fibre-to-the-home and fixed wireless access.

He stressed that visible enforcement of telecom assets as critical national infrastructure would be crucial to success in 2026, calling for coordinated action to protect fibre routes and telecom towers from vandalism and other risks.

Emoekpere also urged the harmonisation of Right-of-Way charges across states and a reduction in multiple taxation, which he said continues to place a heavy burden on operators.

Industry data shows that Nigeria’s broadband penetration stood at 50.58 per cent as of November, with 109.6 million broadband connections nationwide. While this marks a significant milestone, the country is still expected to fall short of the 70 per cent broadband penetration target set under the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025).

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a 50% tariff adjustment for telecommunications operators, citing increasing operational costs and the need to ensure industry sustainability. The announcement was made in a press statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, on Monday.

This decision, made under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, marks the first significant adjustment to telecom tariffs in over a decade, despite escalating costs in the sector. While some operators had requested over a 100% increase, the NCC opted for a more moderate adjustment, balancing industry demands with consumer affordability.

The new tariffs will adhere to the framework outlined in the NCC’s 2013 Cost Study and the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024. Requests for tariff adjustments will be reviewed individually to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to protect consumers from arbitrary charges.

The NCC highlighted that rising operational expenses have strained the telecommunications sector, making the tariff adjustment necessary to close the gap. The move is expected to enable network operators to invest in infrastructure, improve service quality, and enhance coverage, benefiting consumers across Nigeria.

In its statement, the Commission said that the adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50% of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100% requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

The NCC emphasised that this decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. The aim is to maintain a delicate balance between industry sustainability and the financial realities faced by Nigerian households and businesses.

Recognising the potential impact on consumers, the NCC mandated that operators implement the new tariffs transparently and fairly. Telecom providers are also required to educate the public on the revised rates and demonstrate measurable improvements in service delivery as part of the adjustment process.

“The NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments,” the statement read.

The Commission reassured Nigerians that it remains committed to mitigating the impact of these changes while fostering innovation and inclusivity in the sector.

Meanwhile, National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) had previously called for a marginal 10% tariff increase to help telecom operators cope with rising costs.

Similarly, the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) had urged the Federal Government to approve tariff hikes alongside investments in infrastructure.

While the approved 50% adjustment falls below the Minister’s recommended cap of 60%, it has been welcomed as a step toward stabilising the industry. ATCON advised that the implementation should be carried out promptly to enable Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to plan effectively for the year.

NCC reaffirmed its commitment to policies that drive connectivity, support indigenous vendors, and promote the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. As the regulator of the telecommunications sector, it pledged to maintain active engagement with stakeholders to ensure that the industry continues to be a vital driver of the country’s digital transformation.

“This tariff adjustment is seen as a critical measure to address the sector’s challenges while safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.”

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In a significant policy shift, Starlink, Elon Musk’s internet company, has temporarily suspended its recent subscription price increase in Nigeria. The move comes in response to pressure from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which had earlier criticized the decision, deeming it a violation of regulatory requirements.

Initially announced at the end of September, the price hike nearly doubled the monthly subscription from N38,000 to N75,000, while new user hardware costs rose from N440,000 to N590,000.

Starlink justified the increase by citing “excessive inflation” impacting its operational costs in Nigeria.

However, the NCC, invoking Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, warned that Starlink’s unilateral price hike contravened its license conditions on tariffs.

Dr. Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, subsequently revealed that the commission had initiated pre-enforcement actions against Starlink.

In a message to Nigerian customers, Starlink expressed that while the price hike was meant to sustain reliable service amid inflation, it had now been paused to comply with ongoing regulatory challenges.

“If you’ve already been charged at the higher rate, a one-time credit will be applied to your account to cover the difference,” the company assured customers, adding that they remain free to cancel service at any time.

Starlink further urged regulatory support, noting that without it, continued service delivery could be jeopardized.

The price increase had sparked widespread debate within Nigeria’s telecom sector, where domestic operators have long called for a tariff review.

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) argue that, despite high inflation, telecom operators are restricted from adjusting their rates, creating an unsustainable business environment.

As the debate continues, Starlink’s response highlights a balancing act between regulatory compliance and sustainable pricing, underscoring the challenges foreign operators may face in Nigeria’s tightly regulated telecom sector.

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A forum to showcase emerging technologies and the vital role the telecom industry plays in the economic growth and digital transformation of the country has been scheduled to be held in Lagos.

The forum, IoT West Africa Conference and Exhibition, will be held in partnership with the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) between July 2 and 4, at the Balmoral Centre, Federal Palace in Lagos.

Organisers said it is a pivotal marker in the technological renaissance sweeping the country and the broader West African region.

The strategic importance of Lagos as the host city intertwines with Nigeria’s rapid development in technology, infrastructure, and a burgeoning digital economy. It underscores the commitment to enhancing the business landscape, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises within technology, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, through the lens of digital innovation.

Central to this transformation is the telecom industry, which acts as the backbone of connectivity and digital infrastructure across West Africa. The IoT West Africa Conference zeroes in on the significant influence and contributions of telecoms to the region’s digital ecosystem.

Managing Director at Vertex Next, Shitij Taneja, emphasised the telecom sector’s role in enabling digital transformation, pivotal in driving innovations in IoT alongside other cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, Big Data, and AI.

The conference agenda showcases the symbiotic relationship between telecoms and technological advancement through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and technical demos. This rich content offering provides attendees with insights into the future of seamless connectivity enabled by the telecom industry, alongside emerging technological trends shaping the region’s digital landscape.

This year introduces a particularly significant initiative, the Cloud Expo Africa, which delves deep into the evolving dynamics of digital and cloud infrastructure. This segment highlights the centrality of telecoms in developing African data centers, focusing on advancements and green technology initiatives crucial for sustainable digital ecosystems.

The conference serves as a critical platform for telecom industry leaders and stakeholders to explore new opportunities, attract investments, and spearhead essential technological advancements. It holds particular importance for individuals within the energy, power, telecom, and data center sectors, underscoring the unique influence of telecoms in enabling connected, digital solutions.

A development for this year’s event is the partnership with ATCON. This collaboration further elevates the event’s focus on telecom and data centers, promising an enriched dialogue on the latest insights, technologies, and best practices vital for empowering and sustaining the digital economy.

For professionals and businesses poised to lead or adapt to the digital transformation in West Africa, participating in the IoT West Africa Conference and Exhibition offers an unparalleled opportunity to align with the forefront of industry innovation. Through this engagement, attendees will not only witness but contribute to shaping the future landscape of digital and telecom advancements in the region.

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Telecommunications companies in Nigeria, including Glo, MTN, Airtel, and 9Mobile, are urging the federal government to facilitate discussions on pricing adjustments within the industry.

In a joint statement by the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), the telcos emphasized that the current pricing mechanism is not aligned with economic realities.

According to Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON, and Mr. Tony Emoekpere, President of ATCON, the telecommunications giants are facing sustainability challenges due to their reluctance to review prices over the past 11 years.

They attribute this stagnation to regulatory constraints, despite economic hardships.

The telcos argue that, as a fully liberalized and deregulated sector, the current price controls threaten both industry sustainability and investor confidence.

They emphasize the need for a dialogue with government stakeholders to establish a pricing framework that balances consumer affordability with operator viability.

Additionally, the telcos expressed concerns about security challenges affecting service productivity.

They called for urgent government action to safeguard telecom infrastructure from vandalism and sabotage, emphasizing its crucial role in national security and socioeconomic growth.

As the industry seeks substantial investments in network expansion, maintenance, and technology upgrades, the call for tariff adjustments underscores the complex landscape of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector amid economic uncertainties and security threats

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The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to step in and address the funding gap hindering the expansion of telecom infrastructure across the country.

During a visit to the Chairman of the House Committee on Telecommunications, Peter Akpatason, ATCON President Anthony Emoekpere emphasized the need for low-cost intervention funds from the CBN to support broadband infrastructure development.

Emoekpere highlighted challenges such as poor local content, funding deficits, and regulatory complexities, urging the committee to engage the CBN on behalf of telecom operators for strategic funding.

Emoekpere underscored the capital-intensive nature of the telecom sector, stressing the importance of substantial investments for efficient service provision.

He recommended emulating the Nigerian Local Content Management Board’s model for the Oil and Gas sector to address local content issues.

Additional concerns raised included rising business costs, wholesale tariffs, Right of Way, and the necessity for critical national infrastructure.

In response, Akpatason emphasized the collaboration between the legislature and the private sector to drive growth and innovation.

He assured ATCON of the committee’s readiness to provide necessary parliamentary interventions and support. Akpatason revealed plans for a legislative regulator’s stakeholders forum to enhance understanding of challenges and aspirations in the telecom sector.

He proposed the formation of a committee, comprising members from both the legislature and ATCON, to formulate recommendations on identified issues.

Vice Chairman of the committee, Rep. Midala Balami, emphasized the importance of quality in developing local content to meet global standards.

Balami highlighted the need to harness the skills of Nigeria’s youthful population for real-time dividends of democracy, aligning with the government’s goal of fostering business growth and employment opportunities.

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TECHDIGEST – The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has drawn attention to the hindrance posed by infrastructural deficits within the telecommunication sector on the creation of digital jobs.

ATCON emphasized that unless these deficiencies are addressed, achieving success in the application layers, where a majority of digital jobs are found, would remain challenging.

The association’s stance came in response to the appointment of Mr. Bosun Tijani as the new Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.

While outlining the sector’s hurdles, ATCON underscored the necessity for developing, securing, and expanding communication infrastructure across the nation.

ATCON affirmed that by establishing a robust infrastructure foundation, the telecom sector could foster innovative digital services that leverage the burgeoning digital economy, enabling its growth and expansion across both served and underserved regions.

Tony Emoekpere, President of ATCON, expressed, “A paramount need exists to bolster communication infrastructure development, security, and expansion nationwide. Strengthening infrastructure will pave the way for innovative digital services to thrive, capitalizing on the surging digital economy and extending their reach to all corners of the country, particularly areas currently lacking access.”

READ ALSO: NITDA Committed to Creating Life-transforming Opportunities for Girls, Women in Nigeria 

Emoekpere also highlighted ongoing industry challenges encompassing funding, security, and regulatory permissions.

Enumerating key priorities for the new minister’s agenda, he stated, “Priorities should include creating a specialized foreign exchange window for industry operators, enacting the Critical National Infrastructure Bill, implementing Right of Way agreements, and addressing issues related to multiple taxation and regulation.”

Emoekpere emphasized that the minister’s accomplishments would directly impact the industry’s trajectory, suggesting the establishment of an industry-focused think-tank team to expedite sectoral growth and development.

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TECHDIGEST – The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has identified four key focus areas for the recently appointed Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.

Recognizing the crucial role of the new Minister’s success, ATCON advocates the establishment of an Industry Think Tank Team to accelerate growth and progress within the sector.

ATCON emphasizes the importance of collaboration with industry associations to drive projects and initiatives that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigerian Telecom and ICT Sector. The association is fully committed to supporting the Minister’s efforts for a productive tenure.

ATCON welcomes the appointment of Mr. Bosun Tijani as the new Minister and commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for selecting an individual with an IT background and a dynamic approach to industry leadership.

The addition of “Innovation” to the Ministry’s title reflects the government’s direction in fostering advancement within the communication industry, aligning with the goal of generating a million digital jobs.

While acknowledging progress made by regulatory bodies such as NCC, NITDA, and NDPC, ATCON highlights lingering challenges at the infrastructure level, which must be resolved to unlock success in digital job creation.

To fully harness the potential of the growing Digital Economy, it is imperative to prioritize the development, security, and expansion of communication infrastructure throughout the nation. Addressing issues related to funding, security, and permits is essential for sustainable industry growth.

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TECHDIGEST – The steady increase in internet subscriptions in Nigeria will lead to the creation of more jobs for Nigerians and further boost the country’s economy. This is according to industry experts who spoke to Nairametrics.

The experts observed that more Nigerians are becoming aware of the huge opportunities that could be derived from the internet, hence, many are getting connected every day. The growing embrace of the internet, they said, is driving the growth of e-commerce in Nigeria and creating several internet-enabled jobs.

This is even as they noted that more Nigerians on the internet creates more attention to cybersecurity and data protection issues, which will in turn create jobs for experts in those areas.

READ ALSO: NITDA To Prioritize Stakeholders’ Engagement In Implementation Of Programmes, Projects

Between January and July this year, data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that active internet subscriptions across mobile, fixed and VoIP networks have increased by over 10 million. Internet subscriptions in the country, which stood at 141.9 million as of December 2021, jumped to 152 million as of July 2022.

Reacting to the internet subscriptions growth in a chat with Nairametrics, the Chief Executive Officer of Jidaw Systems Limited, and ICT solutions provider company, Mr. Jide Awe, said: “The steady rise in Internet subscriptions is an indication of greater awareness of the benefits and opportunities that can be derived from the Internet. Remote working and digital activities accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic may have opened many eyes and contributed to the rise.

Awe, however, noted that the growth in the use of the internet should be made inclusive for all Nigerians.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) Mr. Ajibola Olude, said internet subscriptions would continue to rise as the telecom operators are pushing a new agenda of rural connectivity which ensures that more Nigerians are connected. “Internet subscriptions will continue to rise in Nigeria because the government and some private organizations are encouraging digital literacy across the length and breadth of the country.

“This will definitely have a positive impact on macroeconomic variables like job creation because as telecom operators move to unconnected areas to get them connected, banks, insurance, and a host of other businesses will also be moving to those areas and people have to be employed to work in those companies,” he said.

An IT expert, Mr. Adewale Adeoye, described internet access as the bedrock of the digital economy policy being implemented by the government. “Without high internet penetration, there is no digital economy. This is why the rising internet subscriptions is a positive development for Nigeria; an indication that many more Nigerians are being brought into the digital economy space, thus creating more job opportunities,” he said.

Source: Nairametric 

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TECHDIGEST – The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy working with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) set an ambitious target when they projected that by 2025 Nigeria would have attained 70 per cent broadband penetration.

This target is striking because currently, broadband penetration stands at 42.27% per cent, consequently tasking the Ministry to more than double broadband penetration in the next five year.

As with all progressive policies and plans, there are those who conclude prematurely that things would not work or change.

READ ALSO: NITDA Shares Country’s Roadmap With Stakeholders At Dubai’s Blockchain Gathering

The same goes for the pessimistic remarks in some quarters that the 2025 target was dead on arrival, despite all evidence pointing to the fact that policymakers have what it takes to achieve the target this time.

The 70 per cent penetration target is clearly achievable especially when industry players consider that even with lower Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Per Capita Income, Kenya and Rwanda have far more impressive broadband penetration figures than Nigeria.

Well, the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), has received NCC and other stakeholders’ backing towards the national strategic mobilization for the actualization of the national broadband target of 70%.

The Association is planning to host a Conference and Exhibition with a theme – Realizing the new set target of 70% of Broadband Penetration.

The conference is slated for Thursday, June 9, 2022 at Chida Event Centre, Plot 224, Solomon Lar Way, Utako District, Abuja.

“We have received attendance confirmation of Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy; Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, EVC/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau respectively. Other industry thought leaders are also expected to grace the event”, Engr Ikechukwu Nnamani ,President ATCON, said in an email to TechEconomy.ng.

How to participate:

Participation is free, but you are required to pre-register via the link here on or before Friday, June 3, 2022.

Source : Techeconomy ng

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