Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have expressed appreciation for the Federal Government's continued support of the industry, but they are calling for a more comprehensive framework to track and report investments in the sector.
Under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the operators emphasized the importance of accurate data in shaping investor perceptions and guiding policy decisions. In a statement released on Monday, the association noted that while the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently released its Q1 2026 Capital Importation Report, the figures presented do not fully capture the scale of capital deployment within Nigeria's telecoms industry.
Disparity in Reported Data
ALTON highlighted that there is a significant disparity between reported foreign capital inflows and actual infrastructure investment, indicating a gap in how sectoral capital deployment is currently measured and reported. The statement, signed by ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo and Publicity Secretary Damian Udeh, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for approving a strategic 50 percent tariff increase in 2025, describing it as a pivotal intervention that rescued the industry from financial distress.
According to the association, the tariff adjustment restored operational viability, closed critical revenue gaps, and enabled operators to reinvest in infrastructure and service quality. ALTON emphasized that the policy intervention transformed the sector from a struggling model into a sustainable, growth-focused industry.
Capital Expenditure Figures
The statement revealed that telecom operators, tower companies, and other players in the sector recorded a total capital expenditure of ₦2.13 trillion in 2025. For 2026, planned capital expenditure stands at ₦1.86 trillion, with funds directed towards network infrastructure expansion, technology upgrades, and operational investments critical to maintaining service quality and coverage. These commitments, ALTON stressed, are fundamental to advancing Nigeria's digital economy objectives and improving services for millions of subscribers nationwide.
While the NBS report indicated a sharp decline in foreign capital importation into the telecom sector, from $80.78 million in 2025 to just $7.24 million in Q1 2026, ALTON argued that this metric only reflected a portion of the actual investment activity. The association explained that much of the sector's capital deployment now comes from domestic sources, including reinvested operational earnings. These financial mechanisms, ALTON noted, are not fully reflected in conventional foreign capital importation metrics, thereby painting an incomplete picture of the industry's health.
Proposed Collaborative Framework
To address this reporting gap, ALTON proposed a collaborative engagement among the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the NBS, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The goal, according to the association, is to develop a more inclusive and transparent investment-tracking framework that accurately reflects both foreign and domestic capital flows.
A transparent investment profile reflecting the sector's substantial yearly capital commitments will better position Nigeria as a credible and attractive destination for telecommunications investment, inform sound policy development, and sustain investor confidence, the statement emphasized.
Commitment to Network Expansion
ALTON reassured the Nigerian public that telecom operators remain committed to continuous investment in network expansion, modernization, resilience, and service quality improvements. The association pledged to work closely with regulators and government institutions to ensure that the sector's contributions to national development are comprehensively documented and appropriately recognized.
With sustained collaboration and government support, ALTON said Nigerians can expect uninterrupted access to digital services that drive economic growth, innovation, financial inclusion, and overall national development. ALTON appreciated the Federal Government for its policy interventions and assured stakeholders of the industry's resilience and commitment to Nigeria's digital future.
