NCC seeks fresh investment as data consumption rises 47%

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is urging more investment in telecommunications infrastructure due to a sharp rise in data usage, which climbed by nearly 47 percent annually. Dr Aminu Maida, the NCC's Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, announced this at the launch of the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum in Abuja, an event organized jointly by Swedfund and Ookla that gathered government representatives, investors, and industry leaders to discuss funding options for Nigeria's digital infrastructure.

Maida highlighted that in July 2026, Nigerians consumed an average of 1.66 million terabytes of data, a significant increase from 1.13 million terabytes in the same month of the previous year. He emphasized that sustaining current levels of demand would necessitate ongoing investment in both network expansion and enhancing the experience for existing users.

He noted that the pressure on telecommunications networks would intensify as cloud services and artificial intelligence become more commonplace, underscoring the importance of dependable connectivity for both businesses and individuals.

The NCC has been taking steps to improve investment conditions, including a 2025 tariff revision aimed at easing financial burdens on service providers and boosting their capacity to invest, which is expected to lead to enhanced services. Maida also mentioned that recognizing telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure and collaborating with state governments on Right of Way agreements are aiding in safeguarding telecom assets and decreasing deployment costs.

The regulator is leveraging network performance data and consumer feedback to pinpoint service deficiencies and areas needing additional investment, aiming to make decision-making more evidence-driven for improved outcomes.

During her keynote speech, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, stressed that digital connectivity is now a vital economic infrastructure, essential for trade and investment. She pointed out that the telecommunications sector contributed over 9 percent of Nigeria's GDP in the first quarter of 2026, with mobile technologies and services contributing about $240 billion to Africa's economy in 2025.

Oduwole emphasized Nigeria's growing role in the global digital economy, noting that more than 25 data centers are either operational or under construction, signaling substantial investment prospects in the digital sector.

She urged investors to recognize Nigeria's digital connectivity as not merely a social necessity but a lucrative economic opportunity. The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, also addressed the forum, pointing out that while progress has been made in expanding connectivity, gaps persist in terms of coverage, quality, affordability, and supporting infrastructure.

She stressed that data's value lies in its ability to facilitate better decision-making and action. Westerholm stressed that reliable data can reduce uncertainty, bolster investor confidence, and help pinpoint where additional investment would yield the most significant impact.

Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, echoed the call for stronger public-private partnerships and innovative financing to meet Nigeria's digital infrastructure needs, emphasizing that good investment decisions hinge on good data.