FG Urged to Rethink Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure Strategy to Boost Investments
Stories by Emma Okonji Industry stakeholders have called on the federal government (FG), as well as industry regulators and the private sector players to rethink Nigeria’s digital infrastructure strategy in
Industry experts have urged the Nigerian government and private sector to reassess the country's digital infrastructure strategy in order to attract investments and spur innovation. The call came during the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 7.0) in Lagos, organized by Business Remarks. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), highlighted the telecom industry's success over its 25-year history and urged increased investment in digital infrastructure to foster more growth.
Ajibola Olude, Executive Secretary and COO of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), emphasized the need for a renewed focus on talent development, rural inclusion, and infrastructure investment to strengthen Nigeria's digital economy. Managing Editor of Business Remarks, Bukola Olanrewaju, noted that the forum aimed to move beyond talk and propose practical solutions to Nigeria's ongoing digital infrastructure challenges.
Digital Realty Nigeria's CEO, Ikechukwu Nnamani, warned that the country is losing approximately $3.5 billion per year due to foreign cloud service providers housing government data overseas. He revealed that over 80% of Nigeria's critical data resides outside the country, posing a significant national risk. WTES Group's COO, Chidi Ajuzie, pointed out that despite mobile penetration of nearly 90%, broadband coverage stands at only 57%.
Ajuzie cited capital scarcity, right of way issues, and regulatory fragmentation as the primary hurdles to fiber deployment.
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