ATCON Calls for Telecom Policy Improvements in Nigeria

The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has called on the Nigerian Government to address policy gaps in the telecom sector to achieve digital inclusion and transformation.

ATCON President Tony Emoekpere highlighted this during an interview on Tuesday.

“The strategic plan for the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy outlines a clear roadmap for the sector, emphasising digital transformation, economic diversification, and broadband expansion.

“One of the flagship policies driving the industry is the National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, which aims for 70 per cent broadband penetration by the end of 2025.

“While progress has been made, the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) puts broadband penetration at 44.43 per cent as of December 2024.

“This is a reality check as we still have some distance to cover with less than a year to meet the target,” Emoekpere said

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He commended the NCC for its transparency in publishing verifiable data, which he said is crucial for identifying and addressing gaps.

Emoekpere also praised reforms like Right of Way (RoW) policies and broadband infrastructure investment incentives, as well as the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) protections aimed at reducing fibre cuts and vandalism.

However, he stressed the need for full implementation of these measures.

The ATCON president identified multiple taxation, high infrastructure costs, and vandalism as major barriers to progress.

He also emphasised the importance of broadband penetration as the backbone of digital inclusion, noting that without widespread, affordable internet access, even the best digital skills programs would have limited impact.

Emoekpere lauded the government’s plan to train 3 million digital professionals by 2027, calling it a forward-thinking initiative to equip Nigerians for the digital economy.

“For meaningful progress, we need aggressive infrastructure rollout, harmonised taxation, and stronger protection for telecom assets,” he said.

NAN