By Abbas Badmus

In November 2022, the former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, unveiled an ambitious project that promised to propel Nigeria into a new era of digital economy: the Nigeria Digital Innovation Park in Kano.

This initiative was not an isolated effort; it was part of a broader strategy by the NCC, announced as far back as 2020, to establish ICT parks across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

These parks were envisioned as epicenters of digital innovation, entrepreneurial activity, and skill acquisition, tailored to empower Nigerian youths and foster a culture of self-reliance and job creation.

The federal government’s vision was clear and focused. Through the NCC, it aimed to establish ICT parks that would serve as hubs of innovation and skill development. Four strategic locations were initially selected: Abeokuta in the South-West, Enugu in the South-East, Maiduguri in the North-East, and Kano in the North-West.

These parks were to be much more than mere physical structures; they were to become laboratories of innovation where the brightest minds could converge, collaborate, and create solutions to the challenges facing Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.

The vision was grand: to empower Nigerian youths by equipping them with cutting-edge digital skills and the entrepreneurial spirit necessary to drive the nation’s economy forward. The parks were designed to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and an enabling environment for ICT startups to flourish.

This would not only lead to job creation but also contribute significantly to economic diversification—a critical objective in a country that has long been dependent on oil revenues.

In the words of Prof. Danbatta, “The whole idea of putting these two things (i.e., skill acquisition and innovation) at the forefront of this very important initiative is to produce youths that can be self-reliant, generate employment for themselves and for other Nigerians.”

His statement captured the essence of the project: a commitment to nurturing a generation of Nigerian youths who would no longer rely on government jobs but would instead become job creators in their own right.

Fast forward to 2024, the Kano ICT Park, a beacon of hope for many, met a tragic and untimely end before it could even begin to fulfill its promise. During the recent #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests, the park was not only looted but also set ablaze, reducing what was supposed to be a symbol of progress and innovation to smoldering ruins.

The park had been meticulously designed to include state-of-the-art laboratories for ICT innovations, as well as commercial hubs intended to bolster the capacity of startups. It was supposed to be a launchpad for the next generation of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs—a place where ideas could be transformed into marketable solutions, where young Nigerians could gain the skills needed to compete in the global digital economy.

The destruction of the park has been met with widespread dismay. Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, voiced his sorrow, stating, “Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT) has been set ablaze and looted by protesters.” His statement echoed the sentiments of many who recognized the park as a lost opportunity for countless young Nigerians.

The burning of the Kano ICT Park is more than just the loss of a building; it represents the loss of a future for many young Nigerians who could have leveraged the resources and opportunities the park was meant to provide. The park was not merely an infrastructure project; it was a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to diversify the economy, reduce unemployment, and empower a new generation of innovators.

In a country where the youth unemployment rate is alarmingly high, and where the digital economy is seen as a crucial pathway to economic recovery and growth, the loss of the Kano ICT Park is a significant setback. It is a stark reminder of the fragility of progress in the face of social unrest and the urgent need for a renewed commitment to protecting and nurturing such critical national assets.

The tragedy of the Kano Digital Innovation Park underscores the importance of ensuring that such initiatives are shielded from the turbulence of political and social upheaval. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of nation-building and economic diversification, the lessons from the Kano ICT Park must not be lost. The aspirations of millions of young Nigerians hang in the balance, and the path to a prosperous digital future must be paved with resilience, foresight, and unwavering commitment.

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A free and secure Internet can close the digital divide and create innovative opportunities on the continent, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has said.

Tijani stated that at the just-concluded Africa Internet Governance Forum at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

The minister, who addressed the forum virtually, noted that Nigeria was conscious of all the dynamics of emerging technologies around Internet usage and would continue to work with countries in Africa on different fronts to ensure that the Internet is effectively governed so its innumerable resources can be leveraged for citizens and nation’s growth.

In a statement, he said, “The need for our consistent collaboration to develop our economy collectively is preeminent in the agenda of the current administration in Nigeria.

“It is through this kind of forum that we can bridge the digital divides, enhance cybersecurity, ensure digital rights, and foster innovation. It is, therefore, our collective duty to ensure that the Internet remains open, safe, and beneficial for all.”

The minister further encouraged stakeholders to prioritise a collaborative approach to creating policies and strategies that will shape the future of the Internet in Africa.

Also at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, provided insights on the Nigerian Communications Commission’s commitment to enable a secure Internet ecosystem in the country through various regulatory initiatives.

According to him, Nigeria has attained tremendous growth in broadband penetration, basic Internet usage, and voice subscriptions.

The NCC CEO noted that as the host of this year’s edition of the AfIGF, Nigeria was focused on sharing experiences with other sister nations in Africa as well as learning from the AfIGF parliamentarians from Africa.

At the event, the Chief of the Section on Innovation and Technology at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Dr Mactar Seck, highlighted, “I sincerely thank the EVC of the NCC, Prof. Danbatta, who is playing a great role in the development of digital technology in Nigeria. I also appreciate the AfIGF Secretary General, other sister agencies, and the Multistakeholder Advisory Group that made the event successful.”

The Secretary of the African Parliamentary Network on Internet Governance, Samuel George of Ghana, called for free Internet “that is inclusive, safe and secured for all citizens of Africa”.

He added, “For Africa to be self-sufficient, it must create an enabling environment and laws and provide digital infrastructures for young innovators to strive. This will, in turn, promote indigenous and local content development in technological development.”

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Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), says telecoms investment inflow grew from $38 billion to $77 billion by the second quarter of 2023.

Danbatta, who spoke in Kano on Saturday at a media parley, revealed that the sector had contributed 16 percent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within the period under review.

He said that the statistics by the NCC was based on the computation by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

He said: “From about eight percent contribution to GDP in 2015, when I came on board as the EVC of NCC, quarterly GDP has increased significantly to reach its current threshold of 16 percent.
“And this has continued to positively impact all aspects of the economy.”

Danbatta, however, attributed the success to “thorough sustained regulatory excellence and operational efficiency by the Commission”, adding that the industry has grown in leaps and bounds over the past two decades.

“We have witnessed explosive growth, improved regulatory standards, and digital innovation that have generated global recognition,” he said.

He said that telephone users in Nigeria had hit 218.9 million, internet subscribers 159.5 million, while broadband users in the country now are 88.7 million within the period under review.

Danbatta listed issues of Right of Way (RoW), fiber cuts, the high capital requirement for deployment, multiple taxations, and regulations, among other frustrations, constituting barriers to broadband deployment in the country.

The EVC, however, assured that the NCC would “navigate regulatory complexities, digital divide, and literacy to tackle the challenges”.

He said that the commission would establish an emergency communication center in each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Danbatta said establishing the centers was necessary, so as to bridge the gap between distressed and emergency response agencies in the country.

He explained that the commission had increased the amount of research grants being given to universities from N20 million to N30 million.

He said that three universities had benefitted from the new grant, so far.

“NCC as a regulator is mindful of the fact that telecom is an enabler and catalyst for economic advancement of the country.

“It has consistently made available, affordable and accessible telecoms service to check certain telecoms barriers,” he said.

Danbatta added that the task of the commission as a regulatory agency in the development of the telecommunications sector was to ensure best practices.

He said that this was in view of the fact that NCC was one of the sectors that had contributed to the enhanced growth of the Nigerian economy.

The vice-chairman pointed out that other major challenges confronting the commission included wilful destruction of its facilities and the number of taxes imposed on telecommunication companies.

“The challenges being faced by the commission include 41 categories of taxes imposed on telecommunications companies and wilful destruction of our facilities,” he said.

He said that the commission would continue to engage stakeholders in the media industry in order to keep members of the public abreast of its activities.

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Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has achieved a remarkable milestone, contributing a significant 16% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the second quarter of 2023.

This data, compiled by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and computed by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), underscores the sector’s growing importance in the nation’s economy.

During the annual Telecom Executives and Regulators Forum (TERF) hosted by the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos, Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, shared this news.

He spoke on the theme, “Success Factors and Barriers to National Broadband and Digital Economy Aspirations,” highlighting the substantial strides made by the Commission.

Danbatta noted that the sector’s contribution has risen consistently, from 8% in 2015 when he assumed office as NCC’s EVC, to the current record-setting 16%. He attributed this growth to effective regulation and operational efficiency, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.

Despite challenges such as right of way issues, fiber cuts, high capital requirements, multiple taxes, and regulations, Danbatta assured that the NCC is actively addressing these barriers.

He also mentioned the burden of numerous taxes on telecom subscribers, with approximately 46 different taxes imposed on the sector. Regarding connectivity, Danbatta highlighted the reduction in access gaps across the country, attributing it to initiatives that promote access to telecommunications services.

These initiatives include government commitment to a digital economy, policy frameworks, investment promotion, infrastructure development, digital inclusion, and more.Looking ahead, Danbatta expressed confidence in achieving the 50% broadband penetration target by the end of 2023 and possibly surpassing the 70% target by 2025, in alignment with the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP), 2020-2025.

He commended ATCON and its members for their constructive engagement with the Commission and stressed that overcoming challenges requires determination, innovation, and strategic planning. Ultimately, Danbatta emphasized that success in Nigeria’s digital aspirations goes beyond technology and plays a vital role in transforming lives, driving economic growth, and ensuring global competitiveness.

He urged all stakeholders to remain committed to building a brighter, more connected future for the country.

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The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has commended the Swedish Government and Ericsson for their commitment and consistency in a strategic partnership with NCC on capacity building which has strengthened the Commission’s regulatory activities.

Speaking at a workshop jointly organised by NCC and its Swedish partners within the framework of the Swedish Programme for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Developing and Emerging Regions (SPIDER), Danbatta stressed the significant strides made by NCC in the field of ICT.

“This workshop signposts the vital role the Nigerian Communications Commission, as a regulator, has been playing in the West African sub-region. It also highlights the unending objective of keeping up with the times and ever-evolving dynamics of the telecommunications sector,” Danbatta stated.

The NCC Chief Executive reiterated the enduring commitment of the Swedish Government and SPIDER to the cause of ICT development in emerging regions and acknowledged their roles in improving access to healthcare, education, income generation, and employment opportunities in West Africa, thereby contributing to poverty reduction.

“This periodic strategic engagement under the auspices of SPIDER over the years has made the Commission a more effective regulator and enhanced it contribution to the development of the telecommunications sector. This contribution will further support the creation of an ecosystem that is beneficial to the economies and people of the region,” the EVC said.

In her speech, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun, and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mrs. Annika Hahn, highlighted the significance of ICT regulation and capacity building as key drivers for economic development and social progress.

The ambassador also commended the NCC for hosting the event and fostering collaboration between the two nations. She acknowledged the pivotal role ICT has played in Sweden’s economic growth being the birthplace of Ericsson, one of the world’s oldest and largest ICT companies, with a rich history in the sector.

Speaking further, the ambassador stressed the global technological revolution and its potential to catalyse industrial and economic development. She stressed the need for modern and adaptable regulation to navigate this rapidly-evolving landscape.

Hahn also stated that, “to cope with this new and swiftly-developing environment, we need to regulate in a modern and adaptable way. Therefore, human capacity building in ICT regulation is crucial for all of us.”

The diplomat said the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of ICT across the globe, leading to an increase in Internet users as the shift impacted various sectors, including education, commerce, and financial services. She also said that e-learning practices on various platforms played a significant role in the transformation.

Speaking further, the Ambassador said Ericsson has reported that there were more than 900 million registered mobile subscriptions in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022, with a considerable portion of those in Nigeria.

The Swedish ambassador said that, in driving growth and contributing to the ambitious goal of over a billion mobile subscriptions by the end of 2023 within Sub-Saharan Africa, “education must be an essential part of our regulatory development strategies and policies, hence the need for collaboration in knowledge-sharing and up-skilling of human resources by all stakeholders.”

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given the green light to Ahmadu Bello University(ABU), Zaria, for the establishment of a Center of Excellence aimed at bolstering skills and knowledge in the telecommunications sector.

This center’s primary focus will be on providing training, upskilling, and reskilling opportunities to individuals in the field.

One of the center’s key objectives is to support the NCC in its mission to promote the development of locally manufactured telecommunications equipment and materials. This initiative aligns with broader goals to enhance the telecommunications sector within Nigeria.

The announcement came from the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, during the 526th (Regular) Meeting of the Senate at Ahmadu Bello University, which took place on Thursday, August 31, 2023. The University officially received approval from the NCC to establish this Center of Excellence.

In a statement issued by the university’s Director of Public Affairs, Malam Auwal Umar, it was revealed that the approval letter, signed by the NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, emphasized the center’s role in fostering a conducive research environment.

It will engage in research activities aimed at generating policies and innovative solutions beneficial to both the telecommunications industry and regulatory bodies.

The center’s scope of activities is comprehensive, covering various aspects of information and communication technology (ICT), including Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, Connectivity Technologies, Cloud Computing, Edge Computing, Renewable Energy, and Next Generation Networks.

Additionally, the center is expected to establish strong collaborations with the telecommunications sector to better understand its needs and conduct impactful research and capacity-building initiatives.

To ensure the sustainability of the center, a detailed plan must be developed and submitted to the NCC as part of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).The terms for establishing the center will adhere to professional, academic standards, and international best practices.

The NCC will play a vital role in shaping the center’s research agenda, approving its work program, and setting KPIs in collaboration with the university and telecommunications companies across the nation. This collaborative effort aims to drive advancements in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

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Critical stakeholders in the Information and Communication Technology(ICT) industry converge in Lagos, at the maiden edition of the West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE) designed to tackle the challenges of telecoms infrastructure which is affecting the growth of the region’s digital economy.

Expected at the event is the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the director general of Nigerian Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Kashifu Inuwa, the chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr Gbenga Adebayo and other stakeholders.

The event, which already has registered participants from Tunisia, Egypt, Republic of Benin, will explore the abundant investment opportunities in the tech sector with the aim of attracting more investors into the sector.

Holding from 3rd to 4th of October, 2023 in Lagos, has as its theme: ‘The Future of Infrastructure, Connectivity and Services: A New Interdependent Ecosystem of Partners’, and it will bring together leading industry telecoms companies and ICT players to learn, share, shape the industry and provide business networking opportunities.

Discussions will also x-ray market relevant digital transformation trends and development related with the telecom infrastructure such as Submarine, Connectivity, Security, Data centre landscape Internet Xchange and Wholesale Digital Transformation.

Predominantly, there will be focus on infrastructure and content and convene more than 200+ global companies in segments such as: Data/ Capacity, Submarine, Content Providers, Technology Providers, Internet Exchanges (IX), Security, Data Centers, Cloud, and other related segments.

Making the announcement of the upcoming event in Lagos, Country editor, TechnologyMirror, Isaiah Erhiawarien, said the sub-regional forum will create opportunities for establishing strategic alliances and partnerships amongst local and foreign investors for the purpose of expanding ICT networks in Nigeria and West Africa.

According to him, “WATISE 2023 is expected to provide a platform for organisations to showcase emerging innovative products and solutions. Specifically, the forum will bring together ICT stakeholders, government, and foreign missions to x-ray and chart a new course for the future of Africa’s digital economy.

“Also, through this event, stakeholders are expected to actively engage the government and other relevant agencies to the widespread deployment of digital technology innovations across the continent.”

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He highlighted that the event is an exclusive wholesale telecom operator and service provider gathering that will offer them opportunity to meet more than 300+ industry players from regional and international telecom operators, network with peers and eco partners in a private, relaxed, and exclusive community environment and join knowledge sharing executive panel sessions.

Key industry players expected as participants at the summit are top and middle-level managers from Telecom operators; 4G service/solution providers; Telecom tower manufacturers; Policymakers and regulators; Power solution providers; 5G technology providers; Legal and management consultants; Civil contractors; Financial institutions; Renewable energy companies, etc.

WATISE, which already has the support of the telecoms regulator, the NCC, is being organised by TechX Innovation Hub, a well-equipped Tech hub in Nigeria and TechnologyMirror, a leading technology news and information website and winner of the Best Startups Supportive Online Media, 2022.

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TECHDIGEST – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is taking proactive measures to counter the detrimental effects of climate change caused by the continuous emission of carbon-based energy by telecom operators.

In an effort to achieve this goal, the NCC has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at phasing out the usage of fossil fuels within the industry.

As part of its commitment to environmentally sustainable practices, the NCC is poised to embrace clean and alternative energy solutions to power the telecom sector.

This transition away from fossil fuels aligns with the NCC’s objectives of protecting the environment for telecom consumers and contributing to global efforts in achieving net-zero emissions.

During a roundtable discussion in Kano involving academia, operators, and key stakeholders in the industry, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, outlined his vision of implementing ethical energy sourcing within the sector.

This approach will serve as a guiding principle for telecom service providers to adopt cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, thereby reducing their carbon footprint and fostering a greener environment.

To realize this transition, Professor Danbatta emphasized the need for collaboration and partnership between the NCC, academia, and other stakeholders.

He stressed the importance of advanced research and innovation in shaping feasible alternative clean energy sources that operators can harness.

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As part of their efforts, the NCC is currently providing research grants to three universities in Nigeria to support projects focusing on geothermal energy, hydrogen, and fuel cells for telecommunications equipment.

Professor Danbatta expressed optimism that by directing research efforts toward clean energy alternatives and leveraging digital technology, Nigeria’s telecom sector can undergo a transformation that will significantly impact areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and e-commerce.

In his remarks, Professor Danbatta highlighted two key objectives: firstly, reorienting academic research towards viable clean energy sources that can power the telecom industry efficiently, such as solar, wind, and biomass. He urged researchers to explore and understand the potential of these alternatives, address their challenges, and devise implementation strategies.

Secondly, he underscored the importance of research in academia that harnesses digital technology to enhance the lives of Nigerians. By focusing on areas like smart grids, energy storage, and energy management systems, innovative solutions can be developed to optimize energy consumption, reduce costs, and expand access to reliable communication services.

The discussions and ideas generated during the roundtable are expected to catalyze transformative research and innovation within the telecommunications sector.

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TECHDIGEST – Professor Umar Danbatta, the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), highlighted significant strides in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector following the inaugural Nigerian Telecommunication Indigenous Content Expo (NTICE).

At the ongoing NTICE 2023 event, Engineer Ubale Maska, Executive Commissioner of Technical Services at NCC, conveyed Danbatta’s message. Danbatta noted that the policy implemented after the first NTICE event, which banned the import of whole-body SIM cards, has yielded substantial economic benefits.This ban not only alleviated pressure on foreign exchange demand but also resulted in local SIM card manufacturers generating more than N55 billion in revenue.

Furthermore, the ban sparked direct and indirect job creation, amplifying the positive impact on the economy.

Danbatta emphasized that Nigeria’s telecom sector plays a pivotal role in the country’s socio-economic growth, as exemplified by its remarkable achievements.

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The sector’s contribution to GDP rose from 12.45% in Q4 2020 to 14.13% in Q1 2023, aiding Nigeria’s recovery from recession.

Highlighting its global standing, Danbatta noted that Nigeria leaped ahead in the 5G race, with revenues exceeding USD $820 million from 3.5GHz Spectrum band licenses granted to operators in 2021 and 2022.

This achievement positioned Nigeria as a 5G pioneer among European, African, and Middle Eastern nations.The telecom sector’s commitment to improved Quality of Service and Experience has been unwavering, maintaining stable tariffs despite escalating service provision costs.

To sustain this progress, embracing indigenous content and value creation within the telecom value chain is crucial.The Nigeria Office for Development of Indigenous Telecoms Sector (NODITS), established in 2021, has made strides in manufacturing, human capacity development, research, and software and services creation.

The NTICE event has become a flagship platform for promoting indigenous content, aligned with the NCC’s strategic goals.Moreover, efforts to shield fiber infrastructure from damages led to the incentivization of Corrugated Optical Duct (COD) manufacturing.

The Commission remains dedicated to supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and innovators, offering angel investments, research and development support, investor exposure, and sponsorship for tech events.

In conclusion, Danbatta highlighted that NTICE 2023 symbolizes the celebration of these accomplishments, epitomizing Nigeria’s spirit of innovation and ingenuity.

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TECHDIGEST – Nigeria witnessed an impressive 11.26% increase in telecommunication access during 2022, despite facing a significant 46.89% decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), according to a recent report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The NCC’s ‘2022 Subscriber/Network Data Annual Report’ highlighted that operators successfully deployed an additional 12,882 base stations in 2022, elevating the total count to 127,294 from 114,412 in the previous year.

This expansion effectively enhanced the coverage and availability of essential telecom services like calling and internet access.This surge in access was further demonstrated by a rise in broadband penetration, reaching 47.36% by December 2022, up from 40.88% in the prior year.

Active subscriptions also experienced an upswing, climbing from 195.46 million in 2021 to an impressive 222.57 million.Moreover, the report disclosed a notable improvement in teledensity, ascending from 102.40% in 2021 to 116.60% in 2022.

Internet subscriptions saw a corresponding increase, growing from 141.97 million in 2021 to 154.85 million the following year.The NCC emphasized the widespread coverage of network technologies, stating that 93.90% of the population enjoyed access to a 2G network, while 86.82% had access to 3G, and 80.86% were covered by LTE/WiMAX networks.

The commission stated, “Telecom providers achieved significant infrastructure deployment in 2022.”

The expansion of fiber infrastructure, both terrestrial and submarine, was a key driver of the surge in data consumption, which jumped by 46.77% to reach 518,381.78 terabytes in the country. Such growth in telecom access plays a pivotal role in advancing the digital economy and ensuring effective communication services across the nation.

Earlier this year, the NCC revealed a substantial reduction in the number of Nigerians without telecom access, which dropped by 37.04% to 27 million in 2022. Notably, the percentage of identified clusters lacking telecom access decreased to 53.1% by year-end.Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NCC, highlighted the commission’s efforts to expand telecom services to rural and underserved areas.

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He noted, “We have diligently worked to bring telecom services to 37 million people residing in rural and underserved regions, a project initiated in 2013. By 2022, we have reduced access gaps to 97 clusters from the initial 207 in 2013, decreasing the number of underserved Nigerians from 37 million to 27 million.”

While telecommunication access flourished, FDI in the sector experienced a significant drop of 46.89%, falling to $399.91 million in 2022 from $753.05 million in the preceding year, underscoring the challenging economic conditions.Citing data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the NCC stated, “Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Nigerian telecom industry for 2022 totaled approximately $399.91 million, compared to $753.05 million in 2021.”

Despite the continued rollout of 4G and 5G networks, foreign investment decreased in 2022, largely attributed to the scarcity of foreign exchange and government policies.

The NCC’s ‘National Policy for the Promotion of Indigenous Content in the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector’ document estimated an annual foreign outflow of $2.6 billion, while the sector only attracted $399.91 million in the same period.

An industry expert highlighted the impact of foreign exchange shortage on equipment imports and investments, stating, “The lack of forex has hindered equipment imports and subsequently reduced investments. Additionally, challenges such as obtaining end-user certificates for equipment importation have further contributed to this decline.”

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