LAGOS: Nigeria’s telecom industry is expected to transition from a phase of consolidation in 2025 to accelerated expansion in 2026, according to the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON). Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, ATCON President Tony Emoekpere said the sector is entering 2026 with renewed confidence, supported by coordinated efforts from operators, regulators, and government to deepen digital inclusion.
He described 2025 as a year of stabilisation marked by capital discipline, as operators navigated rising energy costs, foreign exchange volatility, equipment import pressures, and Right-of-Way challenges. Despite these headwinds, telecom companies, tower firms, and internet service providers continued to densify networks in high-demand areas and adopted solar and hybrid energy solutions to reduce reliance on diesel.
According to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission, broadband penetration surpassed 50 per cent in 2025, driven by rising data consumption as digital payments, streaming, and cloud services became integral to daily life. Emoekpere credited the NCC with strengthening investor confidence through transparent reporting, quality-of-service enforcement, and efficient spectrum management.
He also highlighted the role of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in advancing strategic initiatives, including a proposed 90,000-kilometre open-access national fibre backbone, Project 774 to expand rural connectivity via the Universal Service Provision Fund, and the 3 Million Technical Talent programme to scale digital skills in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and software development.
Looking ahead, Emoekpere said 2026 must focus on execution, speed, and scale, driven by rising demand from fintech platforms and AI workloads. He noted that operators plan to increase investment in data centres and last-mile broadband access, including fibre-to-the-home and fixed wireless access.
He stressed that enforcing the designation of telecom assets as critical national infrastructure will be key to sustaining growth. Emoekpere called for coordinated protection of fibre routes and towers, harmonised Right-of-Way charges, and reduced multiple taxation. He added that ATCON will continue to advocate for open-access networks, fair wholesale pricing, and stronger support for indigenous operators, positioning 2026 as a pivotal year for Nigeria’s digital economy.
