{
  "id": 10740045,
  "title": "NCC seeks fresh investment as data consumption rises 47%",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/ncc-seeks-fresh-investment-as-data-consumption-rises-47-10740045",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-29T17:32:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ncc-seeks-fresh-investment-as-data-consumption-rises-47/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is seeking additional investment in telecommunications infrastructure due to a significant surge in data consumption, which increased by nearly 47% within a year. Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, made this call during the opening of the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum in Abuja. The forum, organized in collaboration with Swedfund and Ookla, gathered government officials, investors, development finance institutions, and industry operators to discuss financing opportunities for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. Maida highlighted that Nigerians consumed about 1.66 million terabytes of data in July 2026, compared to 1.13 million terabytes in the same period of the previous year, a 47% increase. He emphasized that to keep up with the demand, sustained investment is necessary to expand networks and enhance the user experience. The NCC has been working to create a more favorable environment for investment, such as adjusting tariffs in 2025 to alleviate financial pressures on operators, which is expected to improve services. The designation of telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure and efforts to engage with state governments on Right of Way are also aiding in protecting telecom assets and reducing deployment costs. The regulator is utilizing network performance data and consumer complaints to pinpoint service gaps and areas that need further investment. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, noted that digital connectivity is now critical for trade and investment, accounting for over nine percent of Nigeria’s GDP in the first quarter of 2026, with mobile technologies and services contributing $240 billion to Africa’s economy in 2025. She pointed out that Nigeria has more than 25 data centers operational or under construction, presenting growing investment opportunities in the digital economy. Oduwole stressed that Nigeria views digital connectivity not only as a social infrastructure requirement but also as an investable economic opportunity. Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, pointed out that while progress has been made in expanding connectivity, gaps remain in coverage, quality, affordability, and supporting infrastructure. She stressed that data should not be the endpoint; its true value lies in using it to make better decisions and take action. Reliable data can reduce uncertainty, bolster investor confidence, and help identify areas where additional investment would yield the most impact. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, emphasized the need for stronger public-private partnerships, innovative financing, and development finance to meet Nigeria’s digital infrastructure demands. He stressed that good investment decisions require reliable and transparent data to identify asset demand, understand market opportunities, and develop projects that are both commercially viable and beneficial to society.",
  "summary": "The Nigerian Communications Commission has called for increased investment in telecoms infrastructure as data consumption in the country surged by 47% in o Read More: https://punchng.com/ncc-seeks-fresh-investment-as-data-consumption-rises-47/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "NCC seeks fresh investment as data consumption rises 47%",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/ncc-seeks-fresh-investment-as-data-consumption-rises-47",
        "published": "2026-09-29T17:16:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}