Nigeria’s digital connectivity challenge is increasingly moving beyond the question of whether networks are available to whether people can afford to use them, while unreliable power and high infrastructure costs continue to constrain investment.

This was one of the key conclusions of the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum 2026, where regulators, government officials, investors, development finance institutions and telecommunications companies examined the barriers limiting the expansion and use of digital infrastructure.

The two-day forum, organised by the (NCC) in partnership with Swedfund and Ookla, was held in Abuja on September 29 and 30 under the theme, “Unlocking Infrastructure Investment through Data, Transparency and Partnerships.”

Participants said mobile broadband now covers about 90% of Nigerians, but smartphone ownership is only about 27%, while broadband penetration stands at 57.4% against a national target of 70%.

The figures suggest that extending network coverage alone may not be enough to close Nigeria’s digital divide.

More Nigerians are using data, but access remains uneven

The forum noted that Nigeria consumed about 1.6 million terabytes of data in July 2026, representing an increase of almost 47% in 12 months.

Mobile subscriptions are also projected to rise from about 195 million towards 350 million over the next 10 to 15 years.

The growing demand is expected to be intensified by cloud computing and artificial intelligence, which will require more telecommunications networks, data centres and reliable electricity.

But while demand is rising, participants said the ability of ordinary Nigerians to fully participate in the digital economy remains constrained by the cost of smartphones, limited digital skills and concerns around trust.

This creates a different challenge from simply bringing network signals to more communities.

“Usage, rather than coverage, is now the larger gap.”

Power is becoming a telecommunications problem

The forum also identified electricity as one of the major constraints facing the expansion of digital infrastructure.

Participants said the cost and reliability of power affect telecommunications sites, fibre infrastructure and data centres, making energy planning increasingly inseparable from connectivity planning.

For tower companies, the forum heard, power is not merely an operating expense but a central part of the business.

Participants therefore proposed treating tower clusters as potential anchor off-takers for distributed energy generation, particularly in areas where conventional electricity supply is unreliable.

The recommendation comes as Nigeria seeks to expand broadband infrastructure beyond major urban centres.

The middle-mile problem

Another major concern is the cost of moving connectivity between major network hubs and communities.

The forum called for faster delivery of Project BRIDGE, the proposed 90,000km national fibre backbone, as part of efforts to address the country’s middle-mile connectivity gap.

Participants argued that greater availability of backbone infrastructure could reduce the cost of inland connectivity and make investments in data centres, internet services and other digital businesses more viable outside a handful of metropolitan areas.

The Federal Government was also urged to improve the availability and reliability of power for digital infrastructure and maintain policy consistency to encourage long-term investment.

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Investors want projects they can finance

The financing challenge was another major theme at the forum.

Digital infrastructure can have an asset life of 20 to 30 years, but participants noted that such projects cannot easily be financed with short-term bank loans.

Infrastructure financing in Nigeria has grown from less than ₦70 billion in 2004 to ₦19.4 trillion in 2025, according to figures presented at the forum.

However, participants stressed that access to capital depends on governance, management capacity, policy predictability and the ability to develop projects that investors can confidently finance.

Speaking on Day 1, Bolaji Balogun, Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, provided an investor perspective on financing digital infrastructure, stressing the importance of investable projects, suitable financing structures, capital-market participation and conditions capable of attracting long-term private and institutional capital.

On Day 2, Bismarck Rewane, Chairman of the Board of FCMB and Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company, examined the wider economic environment for infrastructure investment.

He highlighted the cost and availability of capital, investor confidence, policy predictability and the role of digital infrastructure in supporting productivity and economic growth.

States hold a key piece of the connectivity puzzle

The forum also placed significant emphasis on state-level policies, particularly Right of Way charges and permitting.

A pilot of the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Index across 12 states reportedly showed that Right of Way reforms were associated with fibre growth of between 22% and 95% in reforming states.

The number of states charging zero Right of Way fees has also increased to 12, from seven in December 2024.

Participants urged state governments to harmonise Right of Way and site permit charges, shorten approval timelines and adopt the federal approach under which operators laying fibre are responsible for reinstating roads.

The recommendations are significant because delays and high deployment costs at state level can affect how quickly operators expand networks.

Independent data proposed as an investment tool

The forum also highlighted the role of independent connectivity data in helping investors understand where infrastructure is most needed.

The NCC, Swedfund and Ookla collaboration is expected to provide a more granular picture of the quality of connectivity experienced by Nigerians.

Participants cautioned, however, that national connectivity figures may not show the specific problem affecting an individual location.

They proposed a process of “screen nationally, validate locally, and verify after intervention” to ensure infrastructure investments are directed towards the actual constraints in particular communities.

New models could reach underserved communities

Participants identified several emerging approaches that could lower the cost of extending connectivity to underserved areas.

These include shared rural networks, satellite services delivered directly to unmodified handsets, micro-cabling, solar-powered rural sites, and local production of devices and SIM cards.

But the forum acknowledged that infrastructure alone cannot solve the access problem.

Affordable devices must also reach users if increased network availability is to translate into greater digital participation.

What happens next?

Participants agreed on a series of actions covering the next two years.

Within six months, stakeholders want funding secured for community co-owned rural networks powered by renewable energy in communities with no connectivity, working with the Universal Service Provision Fund, state governments and the Rural Electrification Agency.

Within six to 18 months, priorities include issuing open-access and wholesale regulations, publishing a wholesale rate card, completing broadband mapping and strengthening the Universal Service Fund as a source of funding for underserved areas.

The forum also called for a business case for indoor connectivity in commercial buildings and the inclusion of data-centre requirements in the National Broadband Plan, alongside renewable and off-grid power solutions.

Within 18 to 24 months, participants proposed a financing framework for telecommunications power, including standardised energy provision and protection under critical national information infrastructure arrangements.

They also recommended developing metro and access fibre through concessions, mapped against existing infrastructure and integrated with Project BRIDGE.

NCC promises continued engagement

The NCC said it would continue engaging participants and relevant stakeholders to advance the agreed actions and investment pathways.

The forum concluded that the major barriers — financing costs and loan tenor, Right of Way restrictions, permitting, unreliable power and gaps in trusted infrastructure data — are interconnected.

For Nigeria, the challenge is therefore no longer simply getting more people under a network signal. The bigger test will be whether infrastructure investment can make reliable digital services affordable, accessible and useful to the millions of Nigerians expected to join the digital economy.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to working more closely with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to strengthen public communication, improve stakeholder engagement and support the long-term growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

The commitment was made by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, during a meeting with an NIPR delegation led by its President, Dr Ike Neliaku, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Dr Maida said collaboration with professional organisations such as the NIPR would remain central to the Commission’s efforts to promote responsible communication and raise public awareness of regulatory policies affecting the telecom sector.

“The Commission will continue to partner with relevant professional bodies, including NIPR, in promoting public awareness, responsible communication, and stakeholder engagement on issues relating to the telecommunications sector,” he said.

Why it matters

Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest telecommunications markets, serving millions of mobile and internet users. As demand for digital services grows, regulators face increasing pressure to improve consumer understanding of industry reforms while ensuring investor confidence and market stability.

The NCC says stronger public communication is expected to help Nigerians better understand key regulatory initiatives, including telecom infrastructure protection, simplified tariffs, efficient data usage and improved network coverage information.

Nigeria to Host Major Global PR Event

During the meeting, Dr Maida congratulated the NIPR for securing the hosting rights for the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, describing the achievement as evidence of Nigeria’s growing influence in global professional circles.

He said the successful bid demonstrated the country’s ability to effectively communicate its strengths internationally.

“It tells a compelling story of perseverance, strategic communication, and the importance of owning the narrative. It also reflects our ability to convincingly demonstrate to the Global Alliance and other stakeholders why Nigeria deserves the chance to host the forum.”

Dr Maida also urged the institute to leverage another major international event—the African Telecoms Union Conference of Plenipotentiaries, scheduled to take place in Nigeria in July 2026—to further improve Nigeria’s global image.

NCC Says Reforms Are Restoring Investor Confidence

The NCC chief said recent regulatory reforms were beginning to attract fresh investment into the telecommunications sector after years of uncertainty.

According to him, efforts aimed at stabilising the industry have improved investor confidence and positioned the sector for long-term growth.

“Through the efforts that we have been making to stabilize the sector; we have been able to restore investor confidence. The level of investment we are seeing now is not about keeping the lights on, it is about growing the industry and this is something we have not seen for years before my time; and it is a sign of investors saying we have confidence in the sector, in the reforms of the government, in the regulator and we believe there is opportunity in this market.”

Industry analysts say sustained investment remains essential as Nigeria expands broadband access, strengthens digital infrastructure and pursues its digital economy ambitions.

NIPR Pledges Support

NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, welcomed the Commission’s emphasis on collaboration and acknowledged the NCC’s contribution to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

He said the institute was ready to support initiatives that promote responsible communication, reputation management and greater public understanding of telecom regulations.

“The institute is ready to collaborate on initiatives that promote responsible communication, reputation management, and the creation of public awareness on the Commission’s regulatory initiatives.”

Industry Perspective

Telecommunications experts say stronger cooperation between regulators and communication professionals can improve public confidence in government reforms, reduce misinformation and encourage wider acceptance of regulatory policies.

They also note that effective public engagement is becoming increasingly important as Nigeria introduces new digital policies and expands nationwide connectivity.

What’s Next

The NCC says it will continue nationwide public awareness campaigns on telecom reforms while deepening partnerships with professional bodies and industry stakeholders.

Attention is also expected to shift toward preparations for the African Telecoms Union Conference in 2026, where Nigeria hopes to showcase progress in telecommunications and digital development.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have announced a new regulatory requirement mandating prior approval for significant changes in the ownership structure of licensed telecommunications companies in Nigeria.

Under the new directive, any proposed transfer of ownership or control involving 10% or more of the total share capital of an NCC-licensed company must receive a Letter of No Objection from the NCC before the transaction can be registered with the CAC.

The requirement, which takes immediate effect, also applies to multiple share transfers that collectively exceed 10% of a company’s total share capital.

The move signals increased regulatory scrutiny of mergers, acquisitions, investments and ownership restructuring within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, one of the country’s most important economic industries.

Why the New Rule Matters

The NCC and CAC said the measure is intended to ensure transparency and prevent anti-competitive practices that could undermine competition in the telecommunications market.

In a joint press statement dated June 21, 2026, both agencies said the requirement is backed by existing provisions of Nigerian telecommunications law and regulations.

According to the statement:

“The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) hereby inform the general public, investors, and all stakeholders in the communications sector on compliance requirements regarding changes in the ownership structure of licensed communications companies in Nigeria.”

The agencies cited Section 90 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, Regulation 28(2) of the Competition Practices Regulations 2007, and Regulation 42 of the Licensing Regulations 2019 as the legal basis for the new enforcement framework.

They noted that these provisions collectively empower the NCC to oversee and review transactions affecting licensed telecommunications operators.

What Companies Must Do

Going forward, telecommunications companies seeking to alter their ownership structure must obtain regulatory clearance before filing relevant documentation with the CAC.

The statement explained:

“Effective immediately any proposed transfer of ownership or control of shares in a licensee of the Nigerian Communications Commission, amounting to ten percent (10%) or more of the total share capital, as well as any series of share transfers which in aggregate exceed ten percent (10%) of the total share capital of the Licensee shall require a Letter of No Objection from NCC in order for the changes to be effected and registered with the CAC.”

The CAC also confirmed it will reject requests involving qualifying ownership changes unless evidence of prior NCC approval is provided.

According to the statement:

“By this measure, the CAC will ensure that all requests for change in shareholding structure amounting to 10% or more, submitted for registration by telecommunications companies are duly supported by evidence of NCC’s prior consent and approval.”

Potential Impact on Investors and Telecom Operators

Industry analysts say the policy could affect how investors approach acquisitions, strategic partnerships and equity transactions within Nigeria’s telecom sector.

Supporters argue that stronger oversight may reduce the risk of market concentration and improve transparency around ownership changes.

Some investors, however, may view the additional approval process as another regulatory step that could lengthen transaction timelines.

Telecommunications operators may also need to factor regulatory review periods into future investment and restructuring plans.

Despite these concerns, regulatory experts note that similar approval requirements exist in many heavily regulated industries worldwide, particularly in sectors considered critical to national infrastructure.

NCC, CAC Emphasise Market Stability

The two agencies said the measure is ultimately aimed at protecting long-term competition and ensuring regulatory certainty.

In the statement, they said:

“The requirement is designed to preserve a fair and competitive market structure within the communications sector by preventing direct or indirect anti-competitive practices, while strengthening regulatory oversight of significant changes in ownership and control.”

They added that the policy would:

“Further promote transparency, investor confidence and regulatory certainty and safeguard the long-term sustainability and stability of the industry.”

The NCC and CAC also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a transparent business environment.

According to the statement:

“The NCC and the CAC reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing a transparent, stable, and competitive business environment in Nigeria. Both agencies will continue to work closely to promote regulatory certainty, ensure fair market practices, and support the orderly and sustainable development of Nigeria’s Communications Sector.”

Industry Perspective

The announcement comes as Nigeria’s telecommunications sector continues to attract local and foreign investment amid growing demand for digital services, broadband connectivity and mobile communications.

Industry stakeholders are expected to closely monitor how the approval framework is implemented and whether it affects future investment activity, mergers and acquisitions within the sector.

Market observers say the success of the policy will depend on how efficiently approval requests are processed and whether regulators can balance investor confidence with market oversight.

What Happens Next?

Telecommunications companies planning ownership restructuring, major share sales or investor transactions will now need to engage with the NCC before seeking registration from the CAC.

Regulators are expected to provide additional compliance guidance to affected companies and stakeholders in the coming months.