The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for increased public- and private-sector investment in telecommunications infrastructure, saying more capital is needed to expand broadband access and improve service quality.
NCC Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Aminu Maida made the call at the maiden Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum, organised by the commission in collaboration with Swedfund and Ookla in Abuja.
The forum was designed to bring regulators, investors, infrastructure providers and development partners together to examine investment needs, identify barriers to network deployment and explore partnerships to accelerate digital transformation.
Building on telecoms-sector growth
Maida said Nigeria’s telecommunications expansion over the past 25 years demonstrated the importance of sound policy, transparent regulation and investor confidence.
He noted that liberalisation and transparent licensing processes had encouraged private participation and supported the growth of communications services across the country.
The commission said it remained committed to facilitating investment while protecting consumers and promoting fair competition.
Connectivity remains an economic priority
Reliable digital infrastructure supports businesses, financial services, education, healthcare and public administration. It also enables e-commerce, digital payments and the use of cloud-based services.
However, expanding connectivity requires more than telecommunications towers. Fibre-optic backbones, reliable power, affordable spectrum, backhaul networks and infrastructure-sharing arrangements are also important.
The forum offers a platform to discuss how financing and regulatory reforms can help close coverage gaps and improve service quality.
The next challenge will be turning investor discussions into projects that deliver affordable, reliable broadband to underserved communities and businesses.
