The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has forecast a robust growth phase for the telecom industry in 2026, marking a shift from the consolidation witnessed in 2025.
ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, shared the outlook while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, citing renewed confidence driven by industry players, regulators, and government initiatives aimed at deepening digital inclusion.
2025: A Year of Stabilisation and Resilience
Reflecting on last year, Emoekpere described 2025 as a period defined by careful capital discipline and stabilisation, noting that operators maintained progress despite economic headwinds such as:
- Rising energy costs
- Foreign exchange volatility
- Pressure on equipment imports
- Right-of-Way (RoW) challenges
“Telecom operators, tower companies, and internet service providers focused on densifying networks in high-demand areas and transitioning to solar and hybrid energy systems to reduce diesel dependency,” he said.
According to data from the Nigerian Comm.unications Commission (NCC), broadband penetration surpassed 50% in 2025, driven by high data consumption as digital payments, streaming, and cloud services became everyday tools.
2026: Execution, Speed, and Scale
Looking ahead, Emoekpere said 2026 would focus on execution and scaling, propelled by rising digital demand from fintech, AI workloads, and cloud services. He outlined the sector’s strategic priorities:
- Investment in data centres
- Expansion of last-mile broadband access through FTTH and FWA
- Development of open-access national fibre backbone spanning 90,000 km
- Rural connectivity through Project 774 and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF)
- Digital skills development under 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative in AI, cybersecurity, and software development
Regulatory Support and Investor Confidence
The ATCON president commended the NCC for building investor confidence by enforcing Quality of Service standards, transparent reporting, and efficient spectrum management.
He stressed the need for critical national infrastructure designation for telecom assets, advocating for protection of fibre routes and towers, harmonisation of RoW charges, and reduction of multiple taxation on operators.
“Regulatory stability and market-aligned policy execution are essential for 2026 to mark a new phase of accelerated growth for Nigeria’s digital economy,” Emoekpere said.
ATCON’s Vision: Indigenous Operators and Open Access
Emoekpere highlighted ATCON’s commitment to:
- Champion industry-led infrastructure expansion
- Advocate open access networks and fair wholesale pricing
- Amplify the voice of indigenous telecom operators
He concluded that coordinated action between government, regulators, and private sector players will be critical in ensuring sustainable expansion and meeting Nigeria’s growing digital needs.
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