Telecom Operators Warn of Investment Drop in Nigerian States with Hostile Policies – ALTON

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has raised concerns that some Nigerian states may miss out on vital telecom investments and improved connectivity due to unfriendly regulatory environments. Speaking during the unveiling of Nigeria’s first Digital Museum, ALTON Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo warned that policies such as excessive levies, right-of-way restrictions, and other anti-business practices are discouraging infrastructure development in some regions.

Adebayo highlighted that the telecom sector is rebounding with a new wave of infrastructure investments, the most significant since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Operators are aggressively expanding networks, building new sites, and upgrading capacity to meet growing data demand. However, he cautioned that without enabling environments, states with restrictive policies could be left behind, deepening existing digital divides.

“The digital train is moving very fast,” Adebayo said. “States that fail to support telecom deployment risk losing out on job creation, broadband access, and digital services. Investments will naturally shift to more supportive regions, leaving citizens in hostile states with poor connectivity.” He emphasized that telecom infrastructure growth will only continue where it is welcomed and protected.

Despite challenges at the state level, Adebayo expressed optimism over ongoing federal reforms. He applauded efforts by the Presidential Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform Committee to reduce the burden of over 56 separate levies currently imposed on telecom operators. He also welcomed the newly inaugurated board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the rebranding of 9Mobile to T2, citing these as signs of renewed investor confidence.

Backed by a recent policy shift allowing market-driven pricing, the Nigerian telecom sector has attracted over $1 billion in new investments this year, according to the NCC. As telecoms become increasingly central to national growth, Adebayo urged both government and citizens to protect infrastructure and support continued sector transformation. “Telecoms is not just about calls and data,” he concluded. “It’s a foundation for economic stability and inclusive development.”

Source: Naira metrics