The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has projected a pivotal shift for the nation’s telecom industry, moving from a year of consolidation in 2025 to a phase of aggressive expansion and execution in 2026. This forecast, delivered by ATCON President Mr. Tony Emoekpere in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), outlines a future of renewed confidence driven by collaborative efforts between operators, the regulator, and the government.
From Consolidation to Expansion: The 2025 Foundation
Reflecting on 2025, Emoekpere described it as a year of “careful capital discipline and stabilisation.” Despite significant economic headwinds—including soaring energy costs, foreign exchange volatility, and persistent Right-of-Way (RoW) challenges—the industry did not retreat. Instead, operators engaged in strategic densification of networks in high-demand areas and accelerated the transition to solar and hybrid energy systems to mitigate crippling diesel dependency. This period of resilience laid a crucial foundation, culminating in a landmark achievement: Nigeria’s broadband penetration officially crossed the 50% threshold in 2025, as reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This growth was fueled by the deep embedding of data-hungry services—digital payments, streaming, and cloud applications—into the daily lives of Nigerians.
The Catalysts for a “Big 2026”: Execution, Scale, and Demand
If 2025 was about endurance, 2026, according to ATCON, must be about “execution, speed, and scale.” This transformation will be driven by two powerful engines:
- Explosive Digital Demand: The relentless growth of Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem and the nascent integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads are creating unprecedented demand for robust, low-latency digital infrastructure. This necessitates a move beyond basic connectivity to high-capacity, reliable networks.
- Strategic Policy Initiatives: The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has set ambitious frameworks, including a proposed 90,000 km open-access national fibre backbone and Project 774 for rural connectivity. The success of these initiatives, alongside the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, hinges on the telecom sector’s ability to deliver the underlying physical infrastructure.
Consequently, the industry’s investment focus for 2026 will intensify in two key areas: data centres (to localise data processing and meet AI demands) and last-mile broadband access through Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technologies.
Critical Success Factors: Infrastructure Protection and Regulatory Harmony
Emoekpere identified non-negotiable enablers for this growth phase. Foremost is the visible enforcement of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) designation for telecom assets. This legal protection is essential to safeguard fibre cables and towers from vandalism and accidental damage during construction, which currently causes widespread service outages and billions in losses.
He also called for a coordinated government approach to:
– Harmonise and reduce Right-of-Way (RoW) charges across states, which remain a major cost barrier to nationwide fibre deployment.
– Reduce multiple taxation and levies that stifle operator investment capacity.
– Maintain the regulatory stability provided by the NCC, whose transparent reporting and Quality of Service (QoS) enforcement have been vital for preserving investor confidence.
ATCON’s Role: Advocacy and Indigenous Empowerment
In this pivotal year, ATCON pledges to champion industry-led expansion, advocate for fair wholesale pricing on open-access networks, and amplify the voice of indigenous operators. The goal is to ensure the growth is inclusive and sustainable, with local companies playing a central role.
In summary, 2026 is not merely projected to be a year of growth, but a potential inflection point. With regulatory stability, executed policies, and protected infrastructure, Nigeria’s telecom sector is poised to transition from a utility to the foundational engine of a truly accelerated digital economy. The combined focus on deep infrastructure, skill development, and protection of assets sets the stage for a transformative period that could redefine connectivity and digital service delivery for millions.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) interview with ATCON President, Mr. Tony Emoekpere.
