The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Government have called for stronger cybersecurity frameworks, international cooperation and improved legal mechanisms to tackle emerging digital threats driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

The call was made at the second edition of the International Cybersecurity Conference (ICSC 2026), organised by NITDA in Abuja from October 27 to 28, under the theme, “Cyber Resilience in the Age of AI: Defending Minds, Networks and Nations.”

The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said the growing sophistication of cyberattacks made it necessary for countries to move beyond conventional cybersecurity measures and develop the capacity to withstand, recover from and adapt to digital threats.

Inuwa said the conference was expanded to an international platform to bring together cybersecurity experts, policymakers and stakeholders from West and Central Africa and other parts of the world to exchange knowledge and strengthen collective responses to cyber threats.

He disclosed that the maiden edition attracted more than 600 participants from 175 organisations, while the 2026 conference had recorded over 700 registered participants, with expectations of reaching 1,000 participants from between 300 and 400 organisations.

According to him, the increasing participation demonstrated the need to expand the conference’s reach and impact in subsequent editions.

The NITDA chief executive explained that cybersecurity and cyber resilience, although related, had different objectives.

While cybersecurity focuses on preventing and defending against attacks, he said cyber resilience involves the ability to recover and maintain operations after an attack has occurred.

He warned that artificial intelligence had transformed the threat landscape by giving cybercriminals sophisticated tools to generate fake voices, videos and images, manipulate public perception and carry out advanced social engineering attacks.

“In the age of AI, cybersecurity is a different game. It is no more like the cybersecurity we knew before,” he said, stressing that organisations must now deploy AI-assisted defence mechanisms to counter increasingly sophisticated attacks.

Inuwa also warned that cybercriminals were increasingly targeting people rather than computer systems because manipulating human behaviour could provide easier access to sensitive information and digital infrastructure.

He urged individuals and institutions to strengthen their ability to identify manipulated content and distinguish authentic information from AI-generated misinformation.

Beyond protecting individuals and networks, the NITDA director-general said Nigeria must strengthen its digital sovereignty by developing greater control over its digital infrastructure, data, technology and artificial intelligence systems.

He disclosed that NITDA was working with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Assembly to review the Cybercrimes Act and strengthen the country’s cybersecurity policy framework.

The agency, he added, was considering the development of a national cybersecurity architecture with minimum standards to guide organisations in protecting their systems and digital assets.

Inuwa also highlighted the National Sovereign Cloud Regulatory Instrument issued by NITDA, saying it was designed to address issues relating to data, infrastructure, cloud technology and artificial intelligence.

He said Nigeria must also assess whether AI agents deployed across different sectors understand the country’s culture, languages and operating environment, and whether their decision-making processes can be adequately understood and controlled.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, the commission’s representative emphasised that telecommunications infrastructure had become central to Nigeria’s digital economy and national security.

He said the increasing use of AI had accelerated the speed and scale of cyberattacks, requiring a shift from traditional defensive measures to systems capable of anticipating threats, withstanding attacks and recovering without disrupting essential services.

Maida noted that cyber threats now included AI-driven phishing, automated credential attacks, deepfakes designed to bypass security checks and malware capable of changing its behaviour to evade detection.

He cited reported cyber incidents involving internet-connected supermarket refrigeration systems in France and spyware attacks targeting journalists and media personnel in the Middle East as examples of the growing sophistication of digital threats.

According to him, such incidents underscored the vulnerabilities that Nigeria must prepare to confront.

Maida said the NCC had established its Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) to monitor threats, coordinate intelligence sharing and strengthen incident reporting across the telecommunications industry.

He added that the commission’s Cyber Resilience Framework for the Nigerian Communications Sector established common security baselines for licensed operators and supported coordination with national cybersecurity bodies, including the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT).

The NCC chief executive called on telecommunications operators to adopt Zero Trust Architecture, a security model based on continuous verification rather than automatic trust, while ensuring that AI systems integrated into network operations were regularly assessed for vulnerabilities.

He further urged regulators, telecommunications operators, financial institutions, security agencies and international partners to deepen cooperation, noting that an attack on one critical sector could affect several others.

Representing the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, said Nigeria’s legal and enforcement institutions must evolve alongside rapid technological changes.

Oyedepo said cybercrime had expanded beyond online fraud to include business email compromise, cryptocurrency-enabled fraud, sextortion, child exploitation and AI-assisted deception, with many offences crossing national borders.

He reaffirmed the importance of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended, in Nigeria’s response to digital offences.

He also disclosed that work was advancing on a third executive bill to strengthen the country’s legal framework, building on Nigeria’s engagement with international cybercrime cooperation mechanisms and consultations on emerging legal challenges.

According to him, the proposed reforms should strengthen the preservation and exchange of electronic evidence, improve investigations and prosecutions, and protect human rights and the rule of law.

“Security must protect liberty, not become an excuse to undermine it,” he said, advocating a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to cybersecurity.

Oyedepo added that the Federal Government would consider useful recommendations from the conference in developing proposals for presentation to the National Assembly.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, described the conference as an opportunity to advance technology diplomacy and strengthen Nigeria’s international partnerships in the digital sector.

He said the participation of foreign legislators reflected growing international interest in Nigeria’s technology initiatives and reinforced the country’s potential as a destination for business, investment and collaboration.

Similarly, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, described cybersecurity as a constantly evolving challenge that required continuous learning, innovation and adaptation.

Olajide warned that security strategies effective today might become inadequate tomorrow as artificial intelligence continued to transform the methods available to cybercriminals.

He called for stronger collaboration among cybersecurity professionals, policymakers, diplomats, judicial officers and government agencies, stressing that cyber threats transcended national and continental boundaries.

The lawmaker urged countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas and Latin America to recognise cybersecurity as a shared challenge requiring coordinated international action.

The Chair of the Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Convention Committee, Pedro Verdelho, also called for greater public awareness of the risks associated with digital technologies.

He observed that AI and other digital tools had become integral to everyday activities, including online searches, travel planning and commercial transactions, while public understanding of the associated security risks remained inadequate.

Verdelho highlighted the Budapest Convention as an important international framework for facilitating cooperation against cybercrime and improving access to electronic evidence. He welcomed the participation of countries in the region in international efforts to combat digital offences.

The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, said cybersecurity was essential to building public confidence in digital transformation, warning that increased connectivity also exposed individuals, businesses and institutions to greater risks.

She said Nigeria’s digital transformation offered significant opportunities for innovation, economic growth and inclusion, adding that Sweden and Swedish companies were supporting the country’s digital development.

The conference is expected to strengthen collaboration among government institutions, private-sector organizations and international partners on practical strategies for building cyber resilience and protecting citizens, networks and national digital infrastructure in the age of artificial intelligence.

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a USSD-based device checker that allows consumers to verify whether their mobile phones and other eligible devices are approved for use on Nigerian telecommunications networks.

The service, accessible by dialling *315#, is designed to help consumers establish a device’s regulatory compliance status before purchasing it, particularly when buying second-hand phones or smartphones imported from abroad.

Users can also check their devices through the Commission’s official online portal at www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker.

The initiative forms part of the NCC’s strengthened Type Approval Compliance framework, which took effect on October 7, 2026, to improve device compliance, protect consumers and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s telecommunications networks.

How to Check Your Phone’s NCC Approval Status

To verify a phone’s approval status, users should open the device’s dialler, dial *315# and follow the instructions displayed by the NCC Device Checker.

The service may require the device’s 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number to complete the verification process.

Users can retrieve their IMEI by dialling *#06# on most mobile phones. The number is also available in the device settings or on its original packaging.

Alternatively, consumers can visit the NCC’s official Device Checker portal to verify their devices online.

Devices Covered by the NCC Checker

The Device Checker is intended for eligible equipment capable of connecting to mobile telecommunications networks, including smartphones, feature phones, cellular tablets, modems, SIM-enabled laptops and Point of Sale (POS) terminals.

Type approval is a regulatory requirement intended to ensure that telecommunications equipment meets applicable technical standards before it is marketed or used in Nigeria.

Through the verification service, the NCC aims to help consumers avoid counterfeit, cloned or non-compliant devices that could pose quality, security or network-integrity risks.

Will Unapproved Phones Be Blocked?

Under the strengthened compliance framework, devices subject to the NCC’s type-approval and verification requirements must meet the applicable standards. Devices confirmed to be non-compliant, including counterfeit equipment, may be denied access to Nigerian telecommunications networks.

However, an unsuccessful or incomplete verification result does not necessarily mean that a device is counterfeit. Consumers who encounter such results are advised to follow the instructions provided and contact their sellers, network operators or the NCC for clarification.

The Commission stated that phones already connected to Nigerian mobile networks before the framework took effect on October 7, 2026, were automatically verified under the initial process.

Owners of existing devices who receive compliance warnings should nevertheless confirm their phones’ status and seek clarification before deciding whether to replace them.

Should You Check a Phone Before Buying It?

The NCC advises consumers to verify devices before completing purchases, whether they are buying new or second-hand phones.

Although manufacturers, importers and suppliers are responsible for meeting the applicable regulatory requirements, buyers can use the Device Checker to establish a device’s status before making payment.

Consumers purchasing phones from local retailers are not generally expected to obtain type approval themselves. However, they should ask sellers to confirm compliance and conduct the necessary checks where appropriate.

Those importing phones for personal use may be subject to additional verification procedures and are advised to contact the NCC for guidance.

What to Do if Your Phone Is Not Verified

Consumers whose devices are not confirmed as approved should not immediately conclude that their phones are fake.

Instead, they should follow the instructions displayed by the Device Checker and seek assistance from the seller or their mobile network operator. They can also contact the NCC through its official support channels.

The Commission advises consumers to remain vigilant against verification scams by using only its official USSD service and Device Checker portal. Users should never disclose one-time passwords or verification codes to callers, sellers or other third parties.

Consumers can dial *315# to check their devices, visit www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker for online verification or call 315 for assistance.

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The directive was announced in a statement issued by the Minister following a strategic meeting with the leadership of the three agencies.

According to Tijani, the rapid evolution of Nigeria’s digital economy has resulted in areas where the mandates of sector regulators increasingly overlap, making coordinated policymaking necessary.

He said greater regulatory alignment is required to promote legal certainty, encourage investment, strengthen consumer confidence and support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading digital economy.

Under the directive, existing regulatory arrangements relating to internet platforms and online intermediaries will remain in place while the harmonisation process continues.

The Minister also instructed the agencies to defer the implementation or enforcement of recently introduced regulations, guidelines, frameworks and administrative requirements relating to internet platforms and other cross-cutting digital economy matters currently under review.

He clarified that the directive does not affect responsibilities that fall squarely within each agency’s statutory mandate under existing laws.

As part of the process, the Ministry will establish a Joint Technical Coordination Committee comprising representatives of the NCC, NITDA and NDPC under the supervision of the Minister’s office.

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The directive was disclosed in a joint statement issued by the NCC and CAC on Sunday.

Under the new requirement, telecom operators seeking to register significant changes in ownership structure with the CAC must first obtain a Letter of No Objection from the NCC.

The agencies said the measure takes immediate effect and applies both to single transactions involving at least 10 per cent of a company’s shareholding and to multiple transactions that collectively exceed the threshold.

According to the statement, the policy is aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight, promoting transparency, and preventing anti-competitive practices within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

The NCC and CAC noted that the requirement is backed by provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Competition Practices Regulations 2007, and the Licensing Regulations 2019, which empower the NCC to review transactions involving licensed operators.

The agencies said the new framework would enhance supervision of significant ownership changes that could affect market competition and industry stability.

They added that the policy would improve regulatory certainty, boost investor confidence, and support the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s communications industry.

The NCC and CAC reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a transparent and competitive business environment while ensuring orderly growth within the telecommunications sector.

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Today, the smartphone is not merely a communication tool; it has become an essential part of daily life and is often regarded as a personal accessory Nigerians rarely leave home without.
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‎The truth is that the benefits smartphones far outweigh their challenges. They have revolutionized communication by connecting people across geographical boundaries. From enhancing social interactions to facilitating education, business transactions, entertainment, healthcare services, and access to information, smartphones have transformed the way people live and work. In many respects, they have become indispensable tools in the modern world.
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‎More specifically, smartphones have become trusted companions to millions of Nigerians. Many people can remain indoors for hours or even days without feeling isolated because their phones keep them connected to family, friends, colleagues, and the wider society. Thanks to advances in digital technology, one can communicate instantly with a friend living thousands of kilometres away, regardless of the distance or travel time required to reach such a destination physically. Social media platforms have further expanded human interaction, creating communities that transcend national borders and cultural differences.
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‎However, enjoying these benefits comes at a cost. Internet data is the fuel that powers smartphone connectivity. Without data, many of the features that make smartphones valuable become inaccessible. Unfortunately, many Nigerians spend a significant portion of their income on data subscriptions. In some cases, people prioritize purchasing data over other pressing needs. The situation can best be described as a painful pleasure. Despite economic hardship, rising inflation, and declining purchasing power, many citizens continue to devote scarce resources to staying connected. Some even resort to borrowing money or taking data loans simply to remain active online.
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‎Recent adjustments in telecommunications tariffs have further intensified public concerns about data affordability. While service providers argue that rising operational costs justify price increases, consumers complain that data bundles are exhausted far too quickly. The average Nigerian worker earning the national minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month must carefully budget to meet essential needs such as food, transportation, housing, healthcare, and communication. In such circumstances, frequent expenditure on data places additional pressure on already strained household finances.
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‎As if the burden were not already heavy enough, Punch newspapers captured a recent recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which have generated fresh concerns among Nigerians. As part of measures aimed at expanding government revenue, the IMF reportedly suggested the introduction of excise duties on telecommunications services and the extension of certain taxes to fuel products. Although these proposals remain recommendations and not government policy, they have sparked debates about the possible consequences for ordinary citizens. Should such measures eventually be implemented without adequate safeguards, the cost of telecommunications services may rise further, potentially making internet access even less affordable for millions of Nigerians who already struggle with the rising cost of living.
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‎Data consumption itself is driven by several factors. High-definition video streaming, automatic software updates, cloud storage synchronization, social media content, online meetings, and background applications all consume large volumes of data. Yet many users believe that their subscriptions disappear faster than expected, giving rise to widespread frustration and the perception of a “demon” that relentlessly sucks data.
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‎This is where effective regulatory oversight becomes crucial. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as the regulator for telecommunications, should ensure that service providers operate fairly and in the best interests of subscribers. At the same time, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), with its broader consumer protection mandate, must continue to safeguard consumers against unfair and exploitative practices within the industry. Greater transparency in data usage reporting can be achieved through stronger collaboration between both agencies, thereby restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
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‎Nigerians deserve affordable access to the digital world. In the twenty-first century, internet access is increasingly viewed not merely as a luxury but as a tool for economic participation, education, innovation, and civic engagement. Governments across the world are investing in digital inclusion programmes because they recognize that connectivity contributes to national development. There is therefore a strong case for policies that make internet access more affordable, especially for students, small business owners, job seekers, and low-income households.
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‎At a time when governments are seeking new sources of revenue, policymakers must balance fiscal objectives with the need to expand digital inclusion. Tax policies that inadvertently increase the cost of connectivity may undermine efforts to build a knowledge-based economy, reduce unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and bridge the digital divide. The digital economy thrives when citizens can access information and opportunities without excessive financial barriers.
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‎In a country where millions struggle daily to make ends meet, policymakers must be proactive. Affordable data can enhance productivity, support entrepreneurship, promote digital literacy, and strengthen social cohesion. The reality is that connectivity helps Nigerians feel informed, secure, engaged, and socially connected. The demon that sucks data must be confronted through effective regulation, fair pricing, consumer protection measures, and policies that prioritize affordable access to digital services. Only then can every Nigerian enjoy safe, reliable, and affordable access to the opportunities of the digital age.

The post Taming the Data Demon: Why Affordable Internet Matters ‎By Aromaradu Salahudeen, ‎ appeared first on Tech Digest News.

Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, made the disclosure during the 2026 Workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications held in Lagos.

Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said total data consumption in March 2026 reached 1.42 million terabytes, compared with 995,000 terabytes recorded during the same period in 2025.

According to him, the increase reflects the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy and rising demand for internet-based services.

“Put another way, this is roughly equivalent to Nigerians watching over 15 million hours of high-definition video every single day,” he said.

He noted that daily data usage in March 2025 stood at about 32,100 terabytes, representing approximately 10.7 million hours of HD video consumption daily.

“This means Nigerians are now using the equivalent of about 4.6 million more hours of HD video every day than they did a year ago,” he added.

Maida attributed the growth to increased adoption of digital payments, e-commerce platforms, startups, digital literacy programmes and emerging technologies across the country.

“The rapid growth of digital payments, e-commerce platforms, startups, digital literacy, and the adoption of emerging technologies underscores the immense potential of our digital economy to drive innovation and expand opportunities,” he stated.

Despite the sector’s growth, the NCC warned that telecommunications infrastructure across the country remains vulnerable to vandalism, fibre cuts, equipment theft and sabotage.

Maida referenced the recent designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that telecom assets now require stronger protection due to their strategic importance to the economy.

According to him, the commission is collaborating with security agencies, telecom operators and other stakeholders to improve infrastructure protection through nationwide asset mapping, public sensitisation campaigns, mediation efforts and stricter enforcement measures.

He added that the NCC’s collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser had already led to the disruption of syndicates involved in telecom equipment theft and resale.

On cybersecurity, Maida disclosed that the NCC launched the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) to tackle SIM-related fraud, identity theft and abuses linked to recycled phone numbers.

He also said the commission had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Central Bank of Nigeria to strengthen efforts against electronic fraud associated with phone numbers.

According to him, the collaboration would also involve agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the National Identity Management Commission.

Chairman of the NCC Governing Board, Idris Olorunnimbe, also said digital technologies had transformed governance, commerce, security systems and social interactions globally.

He noted that issues relating to cybersecurity, online harms, artificial intelligence, infrastructure protection and consumer rights now require stronger institutional collaboration and improved judicial understanding of the evolving telecommunications sector.

Olorunnimbe expressed confidence that the workshop would strengthen the capacity of judges to effectively handle telecommunications-related disputes while supporting innovation and protecting Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

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According to a statement signed by NCC Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, Mobile Network Operators invested over N2.13 trillion in infrastructure upgrades, while Tower Companies committed an additional N373.8 billion to network expansion projects.

The commission said the investments supported the deployment and upgrade of more than 2,800 telecom sites nationwide to address network congestion, coverage gaps and capacity challenges.

The NCC acknowledged persistent complaints from consumers over dropped calls, slow internet speeds and unstable data services, noting that telecommunications services have become essential for business operations, education, financial transactions and access to public services.

According to the regulator, improving Quality of Service has remained a major priority over the past two years through stronger monitoring and data-driven oversight of telecom operators and infrastructure providers.

The commission also disclosed that operators are expected to add or upgrade more than 12,000 telecom sites in 2026, with nearly 3,000 sites already completed.

As part of efforts to accelerate next-generation connectivity, the NCC said over 730 additional 5G sites have already been deployed across 27 states this year.

The regulator added that recent interventions include 4G and 5G network upgrades, fibre backhaul expansion, rollout into underserved communities and replacement of ageing infrastructure equipment.

According to the NCC, 4G penetration increased from 45 per cent in January 2024 to 54 per cent currently, while national median download speeds improved from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps within the same period.

The commission also revealed that power availability at telecom tower sites improved from 99.3 per cent in January 2025 to 99.7 per cent currently.

Despite the improvements, the NCC admitted that many areas still experience poor connectivity, congestion and unstable network performance.

The commission said enforcement actions against operators failing to meet Quality of Service standards under the 2024 QoS Regulations commenced in November 2025 after an earlier transition period for infrastructure upgrades.

According to the regulator, enforcement measures include consumer compensation and additional investment obligations where service failures are identified.

The NCC also identified fibre cuts, vandalism, power disruptions and equipment theft as major external challenges affecting network performance.

It disclosed that more than 27,000 fibre-cut incidents were recorded nationwide in 2025, largely linked to road construction activities and vandalism.

The commission added that operators are now required to notify subscribers during major service outages and restore services within specified timelines, while outage details will also be published on the NCC’s Major Network Outages Reporting Portal.

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Nigeria is accelerating the shutdown of legacy 3G networks as telecom operators intensify investments in faster 4G and 5G infrastructure, while the country simultaneously strengthens its role as a regional Internet traffic hub through a new partnership with China Mobile International Limited (CMI).

Fresh data from a first-quarter 2026 telecom sector review conducted by Ookla for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed that mobile operators are rapidly retiring the 900MHz 3G spectrum band and reallocating resources to 4G frequencies on the 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands.

The transition is expected to improve connectivity nationwide, especially in underserved rural communities where slow Internet speeds have long limited access to digital services such as online learning, financial technology platforms, and remote work tools.

According to the report, MTN and Airtel are leading the migration away from 3G, significantly reducing dependence on outdated spectrum infrastructure as part of broader network modernisation efforts.

Industry statistics showed that as of the first quarter of 2026, 4G accounted for 53.76 per cent of network penetration in Nigeria, followed by 2G at 36.74 per cent, 3G at 5.30 per cent, and 5G at 4.20 per cent.

However, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, recently disclosed in Lagos that 5G penetration has already climbed to about 14 per cent, with active usage estimated at five per cent nationwide.

The report identified the n77 spectrum band (3.5GHz) as the backbone of Nigeria’s 5G expansion, delivering speeds estimated to be up to 10 times faster than conventional 4G services.

Since late 2025, 5G test volumes have reportedly surged by 44 per cent, driven largely by Airtel and MTN deployments.

In major cities such as Lagos and Abuja, Internet download speeds now exceed 250Mbps in some locations, significantly improving experiences for streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and enterprise connectivity.

The NCC also urged consumers to adopt devices compatible with the n77 band to fully utilise the benefits of 5G technology.

Despite the rapid urban rollout, the report noted that some rural states, including Sokoto and Imo, still rely heavily on 3G infrastructure. However, ongoing migration to 4G networks is steadily narrowing the digital divide.

The regulator described the transition as critical to achieving digital inclusion and ensuring that high-speed Internet access becomes available beyond urban centres.

For basic services such as calls, messaging, social media, and payments, 4G remains Nigeria’s dominant network standard. However, the report noted that 5G is increasingly becoming the preferred option for bandwidth-intensive activities such as cloud computing, gaming, and remote work.

Ookla’s findings further showed the speed of the ongoing transition in northern Nigeria. In Sokoto State, MTN’s reliance on 3G reportedly dropped from 80 per cent in September 2025 to 29 per cent by February 2026, while Airtel’s 3G dependence fell from 71 per cent to 25 per cent within the same period.

The report stated that Nigeria’s spectrum transition represents more than a technical upgrade, describing it as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and broader digital participation.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Internet infrastructure ecosystem received an international boost after the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) announced that China Mobile International Limited (CMI) has joined its peering fabric.

The development allows CMI, the global subsidiary of China Mobile Limited, to exchange Internet traffic locally within Nigeria through IXPN’s infrastructure.

The move is expected to reduce dependence on expensive international transit routes, improve data exchange efficiency, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional digital connectivity hub in West Africa.

IXPN described the partnership as a major milestone for Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, saying businesses, Internet service providers, and users across the country would benefit from improved connectivity and faster traffic exchange.

According to IXPN, keeping more Internet traffic within Nigeria will enhance digital sovereignty, lower operational costs for service providers, and improve performance for latency-sensitive applications including cloud services, video conferencing, streaming platforms, and AI-powered technologies.

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The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has called for the urgent resolution of the regulatory dispute disrupting Nigeria’s airtime credit market, cautioning that the standoff could undermine consumer welfare, investor confidence, and the stability of the telecom sector.

ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, made the appeal amid mounting concerns over persistent service disruptions despite existing court orders intended to preserve operations.

Adebayo described the situation as more than a routine regulatory disagreement, noting that it reflects deeper issues around institutional coordination and compliance with judicial directives. He urged regulators, telecom operators, and the Federal Government to work together to restore clarity and stability in the market.

“What is happening in the airtime credit space goes beyond a dispute between agencies; it is a reflection of how well the systems that support business confidence are functioning,” he said.

He stressed that while court orders remain valid and operators hold legitimate licences, consumers continue to experience interruptions—highlighting the urgency of resolving the impasse.

ALTON noted that Nigeria’s airtime credit ecosystem—estimated to be worth between N300 billion and N400 billion annually—serves as a vital informal credit system. Millions of Nigerians, particularly small traders, artisans, and low-income earners, depend on airtime advances to manage daily financial needs in the absence of accessible formal credit.

The association warned that prolonged uncertainty could negatively impact not only telecom services but also broader economic activities tied to the sector.

The crisis stems from a jurisdictional conflict between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over oversight of airtime credit services and Value Added Service (VAS) providers.

ALTON insists that the NCC, under the Nigerian Communications Act, has clear statutory authority over telecom operations, including VAS providers. It warned that overlapping regulatory claims have created uncertainty and disrupted business activities.

The association added that it had flagged potential risks to the NCC as early as August 2025, cautioning that inconsistencies arising from FCCPC regulations and inter-agency arrangements could destabilise the sector.

ALTON further noted that interim injunctions issued by Federal High Courts in Lagos and Abuja had restrained interference in the operations of licensed VAS providers. However, operators such as Nairtime Nigeria Limited and members of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPA) are still experiencing disruptions.

The association warned that continued interference despite court rulings raises serious concerns about regulatory coordination and adherence to the rule of law.

In response, the FCCPC denied claims that it had banned airtime borrowing and data advance services. Instead, it attributed the temporary suspension to non-compliance by some service providers.

According to the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, operators were required to align their services with Nigerian law under a new regulatory framework introduced in July 2025.

He said a 90-day compliance window was provided to allow operators to regularise their operations, but some providers failed to take advantage of the grace period, particularly within the telecom sector.

The dispute has triggered widespread uncertainty across the telecom ecosystem, with major operators such as Airtel Nigeria and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc previously announcing temporary suspensions of airtime and data credit services in response to regulatory directives.

Industry stakeholders warn that unless swiftly addressed, the standoff could erode confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory environment and disrupt a market that plays a crucial role in supporting everyday financial transactions for millions of Nigerians.

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Industry stakeholders say the country now needs a more practical and execution-driven roadmap to accelerate digital infrastructure expansion and close persistent connectivity gaps.

Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that broadband penetration stood at 51.97% at the end of the five-year plan in December 2025, significantly below the 70% target.

Speaking on the development, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Tony Emoekpere, said while broadband plans remain essential for guiding investment and coordination, Nigeria’s main challenge has been execution.

He noted that the next policy must prioritise infrastructure rollout, stronger alignment across government levels, and deeper private sector participation.

Similarly, telecom consultant Adewale Adeoye said many initiatives outlined in the previous plan were not implemented, contributing to the missed targets.

The NCC, however, confirmed that work is already underway on a successor framework. Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, said the regulator is reviewing the performance of the outgoing plan to inform a more effective strategy.

The NNBP 2020–2025 was designed to improve broadband access, reduce connectivity gaps, and support Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions. While it recorded some progress, operators say structural challenges—such as right-of-way bottlenecks, multiple taxation, high deployment costs, and unreliable power supply—continued to hinder full implementation.

Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, also highlighted inconsistent state-level charges and hidden levies as key barriers slowing fibre rollout and discouraging investment.

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