The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), development partners and industry stakeholders have called for increased investment in digital infrastructure to bridge connectivity gaps, expand broadband access and improve telecommunications services across Nigeria.\n<\/p>\n
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The call was made at the two-day Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum in Abuja, organised in collaboration with the NCC, Swedfund and Ookla, with the theme, \u201cUnlocking Infrastructure Investment through Data Transparency and Partnership.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Speaking at the forum, NCC Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, said sustained investment was essential to expanding telecommunications networks, improving service quality and meeting the country\u2019s rapidly growing demand for data.\n<\/p>\n
Maida said the forum was particularly significant as Nigeria marked 25 years of GSM operations, noting that policy reforms and transparent licensing processes had helped attract private investment into the telecommunications sector.<\/p>\n
He said the experience demonstrated the importance of creating a predictable regulatory environment that gives investors confidence to finance critical infrastructure, while ensuring consumer protection and fair competition.\n<\/p>\n
According to him, the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 mandates the commission to encourage investment in the telecommunications sector and facilitate its development.\n<\/p>\n
Maida disclosed that Nigerians consumed approximately 1.66 million terabytes of data in July 2026, compared with 1.13 million terabytes in July 2025, representing an increase of nearly 47 per cent.\n<\/p>\n
He said the surge in data consumption underscored the need for continuous investment in network expansion, infrastructure upgrades and improved service delivery for existing subscribers.\n<\/p>\n
The NCC chief also explained that the 2025 telecommunications tariff adjustment was designed to address financial pressures facing operators and strengthen their capacity to invest in network infrastructure and service improvements.<\/p>\n
He added that the commission\u2019s engagement with state governments on Right of Way charges was helping to reduce some of the costs associated with telecommunications infrastructure deployment.\n<\/p>\n
Maida further noted that the designation of telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure by President Bola Tinubu had strengthened efforts to protect telecom assets and support the sector\u2019s development.\n<\/p>\n
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, represented by Adetunji Adeyemo, Director of the National Frequency Management Council, said reliable, affordable, resilient and accessible digital infrastructure was critical to Nigeria\u2019s economic transformation.\n<\/p>\n
He identified infrastructure, policy, innovation and entrepreneurship, and capital as four strategic priorities for developing the country\u2019s digital economy.\n<\/p>\n
Tijani said the Federal Government was committed to accelerating broadband deployment, attracting private investment and expanding meaningful connectivity, particularly in underserved communities and local government areas.<\/p>\n
He stressed that government alone could not deliver the scale of infrastructure required, calling for stronger public-private partnerships, innovative financing models and a predictable investment environment.\n<\/p>\n
The minister also highlighted the importance of reliable and transparent data in helping investors identify connectivity gaps, assess market demand and develop commercially viable infrastructure projects with measurable development benefits.\n<\/p>\n
He urged participants to use the forum to identify practical investment opportunities and develop solutions to regulatory, financial and infrastructure challenges affecting telecommunications expansion.\n<\/p>\n
Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, said significant gaps remained in network coverage, service quality, affordability and supporting infrastructure despite progress in Nigeria\u2019s digital transformation.\n<\/p>\n
She noted that reliable data on network performance and user experience could improve infrastructure planning, regulatory decisions and investment strategies.<\/p>\n
Westerholm emphasised that digital connectivity required an integrated ecosystem encompassing fibre-optic infrastructure, reliable electricity, affordable services, cybersecurity and digital skills.\n<\/p>\n
She reaffirmed Sweden\u2019s commitment to strengthening commercial and development partnerships with Nigeria, particularly in digitalisation and telecommunications connectivity.\n<\/p>\n
The ambassador said the success of the forum should be measured by the partnerships established, investment opportunities translated into projects and infrastructure delivered to connect more Nigerians.\n<\/p>\n
The forum highlights the growing importance of digital infrastructure investment in supporting business growth, financial inclusion, education and economic participation, particularly for communities with limited access to reliable internet services.\n<\/p>\n
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