ATCON Projects Telecoms Expansion in Nigeria From 2026
The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has projected that Nigeria’s telecommunications industry will transition from a phase of consolidation in 2025 to full-scale expansion in 2026.
The projection was disclosed by ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
According to Emoekpere, renewed investor confidence, growing digital demand, and stronger coordination among industry stakeholders are positioning the sector for accelerated growth.
Industry Entering 2026 With Stronger Fundamentals
Emoekpere said Nigeria’s telecoms industry is heading into 2026 with improved fundamentals, supported by closer collaboration between operators, regulators, and the Federal Government to deepen digital inclusion.
He noted that despite significant economic and operational pressures in the past year, the sector has demonstrated resilience and strategic discipline.
2025 Marked by Stabilisation and Capital Discipline
Reflecting on 2025, Emoekpere described the year as one focused on stabilisation rather than aggressive expansion. Telecom operators, tower companies, and internet service providers continued operations despite challenges such as:
- Rising energy costs
- Foreign exchange volatility
- High telecom equipment import costs
- Persistent Right-of-Way (RoW) constraints
Rather than retreating, industry players prioritised network densification in high-demand areas and accelerated the adoption of solar and hybrid power systems to reduce dependence on diesel.
Broadband Penetration Crosses 50%
Citing data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Emoekpere said Nigeria’s broadband penetration surpassed 50% in 2025.
He attributed the milestone to a sharp increase in data consumption, driven by the widespread adoption of:
- Digital payment platforms
- Video and music streaming services
- Cloud computing
- Other data-intensive online services
He also praised the NCC for strengthening investor confidence through transparent industry reporting, enforcement of Quality of Service (QoS) standards, and effective spectrum management.
“These actions have helped preserve investor confidence in the sector,” Emoekpere said.
2026: A Year of Execution, Speed, and Scale
Looking ahead, Emoekpere said 2026 must focus on execution, speed, and scale, as demand from fintech, artificial intelligence, and other data-driven sectors continues to rise.
Planned investment priorities include:
- Expanded data centre capacity
- Last-mile broadband infrastructure
- Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) deployment
- Fixed wireless access (FWA) expansion
Critical Infrastructure Protection a Key Priority
The ATCON President stressed that visible enforcement of telecom assets as critical national infrastructure will be crucial to achieving growth targets in 2026.
He called for coordinated action to:
- Protect fibre optic routes and telecom towers from vandalism
- Reduce infrastructure-related service disruptions
- Harmonise Right-of-Way charges across states
Multiple Taxation Remains a Major Challenge
Emoekpere also highlighted the persistent burden of multiple taxation, noting that it continues to strain operators and limit reinvestment capacity across the industry. He urged policymakers to address overlapping levies and fees to create a more sustainable operating environment.
Outlook: Cautious Optimism for Nigeria’s Telecoms Industry
“If 2025 was about endurance, 2026 must be about execution,” Emoekpere said. With stronger regulatory coordination, rising digital adoption, and renewed infrastructure investment, ATCON believes Nigeria’s telecoms sector is poised to enter a new phase of sustainable expansion, reinforcing its role as a backbone of the country’s digital economy.
