ICT Stakeholders Seek Policy Reforms to Bridge Nigeria’s Digital Divide

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector have called for urgent policy reforms, increased fibre deployment, digital literacy programmes and stronger cybersecurity frameworks to accelerate digital inclusion and bridge the country’s digital divide.

The call was made at the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) Innovative Conference 2026 held in Lagos with the theme: “Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide with Scientific Innovation.”

Presenting a paper titled “A Chronicle of Telecom Operators’ Efforts in Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide Through Innovation: Achievements, Challenges and Future Prospects,” Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, described Nigeria’s telecom sector as one of Africa’s greatest success stories in economic liberalisation and digital transformation.

According to him, the industry has evolved from fewer than 500,000 connected telephone lines before GSM liberalisation in 2001 to over 200 million active subscriptions, providing the foundation for banking, healthcare, education, commerce, security and governance.

“Telecommunications is no longer simply an industry; it is the foundation upon which Nigeria’s digital future is being built. Every investment in resilient telecommunications infrastructure is an investment in economic growth, innovation, national security and inclusive development,” Adebayo said.

He noted that operators have invested billions of dollars in mobile networks, fibre-optic infrastructure, data centres, cloud platforms, renewable energy systems and emerging technologies such as 5G, helping to expand broadband penetration and digital access across the country.

Adebayo identified multiple taxation, inconsistent Right-of-Way (RoW) policies, infrastructure vandalism, high energy costs and foreign exchange volatility as major threats to future investments.

“Millions of Nigerians remain underserved, and the industry’s continued ability to bridge the digital divide depends on addressing persistent challenges such as multiple taxation, Right-of-Way constraints, infrastructure vandalism and high energy costs,” he stated.

The ALTON chairman commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) under Dr. Aminu Maida for policies aimed at improving industry sustainability.

He particularly lauded the resolution of the long-standing USSD debt dispute and the implementation of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) framework.

“The implementation of the Critical National Information Infrastructure framework is a landmark achievement. It appropriately recognises telecommunications infrastructure as strategic national infrastructure whose protection is essential not only for operators but also for banking, healthcare, education, security, commerce and governance,” he said.

Adebayo also dismissed reports suggesting that the NCC’s ongoing Mobile Termination Rate (MTR) cost study would lead to another increase in telecom tariffs.

“That interpretation is incorrect. The exercise presently being undertaken by the NCC is a wholesale interconnection cost determination designed to establish fair and cost-reflective Mobile Termination Rates. There is currently no industry proposal before the NCC seeking a review of retail tariffs arising from this exercise,” he noted.

The industry leaders during the panel discourse examined how policy, infrastructure and innovation can work together to promote inclusive digital transformation.

While responding to questions on barriers to digital infrastructure deployment, Engr. Adebayo said operators continue to grapple with multiple taxation, forex challenges and Right-of-Way charges.

“The issues our members consistently identify are multiple taxation, high foreign exchange costs and right-of-way charges. These remain the biggest impediments to infrastructure expansion,” he said.

He further called for increased fibre penetration and reforms to the wholesale broadband market.“Nigeria must increase fibre penetration, reform its wholesale broadband policy and create an enabling environment that encourages greater investment in infrastructure,” he added.

Executive Secretary of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Ajibola Olude, stressed the need for inclusive policymaking.

“Public policy should apply fairly to every operator, regardless of size. Regulators must engage industry players during policy formulation so that the interests of both large and small operators are adequately represented,” Olude said.

Also speaking, SystemSpecs ‘ Adewole Oduwole argued that innovation thrives when investments are made in people rather than technology alone.

“We believe innovation starts by investing in people rather than technology alone. Technology should not be limited to urban centres. There are brilliant young people in remote communities who simply lack opportunities and exposure,” he said.

On his part, Head of Presales at Quomodo Systems, Olukayode Joseph, called for greater investment in local skills development through cybersecurity and talent development.

“We deliberately invest in developing local talent. Rather than relying solely on foreign expertise, we run internship and training programmes that introduce young people to cybersecurity from the grassroots,” Joseph said.

He urged both government and the private sector to redirect digitally skilled youths away from cybercrime and into productive ventures.

“Government and the private sector should establish programmes that identify and retrain talented young people. Rather than focusing solely on punishment, we should create pathways that enable them to become ethical hackers, cybersecurity professionals and technology innovators,” he stated.

Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Lagos Chapter, Adeshina Adewole, advocated early digital education and stronger collaboration among government, academia and industry.

“If Nigeria is to compete globally, digital literacy must begin at the primary school level. We must build a complete digital talent pipeline from primary and secondary schools through universities,” he said. However, he advocated stronger collaboration among government, academia and industry. “What is needed is stronger collaboration because policy drives innovation, while infrastructure enables innovation to flourish,” he added. Even as policy support remains essential to driving competitiveness. 

Meanwhile, Engr. Adebayo emphasised the need for citizens and host communities to help protect telecommunications infrastructure designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure.

“Government, operators and community leaders need sustained public enlightenment campaigns to help Nigerians appreciate that telecom infrastructure supports businesses, education, healthcare, security and everyday communication. Once communities understand its value, they will become partners in protecting it rather than threats to it,” he said.

Consequently, the stakeholders agreed that bridging Nigeria’s digital divide will require sustained investment, collaborative regulation, improved infrastructure protection, grassroots digital literacy and wider access to innovation opportunities across the country.