The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and key stakeholders in the digital economy have set out to unlock investment and accelerate the deployment of digital infrastructure across Nigeria. This move follows the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum 2026, which brought together regulators, investors, telecommunications operators, infrastructure providers, development finance institutions, and technology companies. The forum aimed to examine the country’s connectivity needs and investment barriers.
The forum, organised by the NCC in collaboration with Swedfund and Ookla, focused on measures to attract public and private capital into broadband and telecommunications infrastructure. The goal is to improve network quality and expand access to underserved areas. According to the NCC, the outcome of the forum will help strengthen collaboration between government and investors. It will also provide a framework for identifying areas where additional investment is required to improve digital connectivity.
Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the NCC, emphasized that Nigeria’s growing demand for digital services makes sustained investment in network infrastructure imperative. Data consumption in Nigeria rose from about 1.13 million terabytes in July 2025 to approximately 1.66 million terabytes in July 2026. This represents an increase of nearly 47 per cent in one year. The growth in demand is placing additional pressure on existing infrastructure.
Maida noted that the investment challenge is not merely one of expanding coverage. It is also about ensuring that those already connected enjoy better service quality, improved user experiences, and infrastructure capable of supporting future technologies. He emphasized that the regulatory environment must continue to provide certainty for investors. The NCC is committed to evidence-based regulation, consumer protection, and fair competition.
The NCC is engaging with state governments on Right of Way issues and has designated telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure. These measures aim to reduce barriers to infrastructure deployment. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, noted that digital infrastructure has become an important determinant of the investment climate and Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade.
Oduwole observed that the nature of trade has changed significantly, with private networks, data centres, digital platforms, and secure data systems becoming increasingly important to modern economic activities. The country’s ability to attract investment and participate effectively in global trade will increasingly depend on the quality, reliability, and availability of its digital infrastructure.
Anna Westerholm, Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, identified gaps in connectivity coverage, quality, affordability, and supporting infrastructure as areas requiring coordinated intervention by government and industry. The NCC and stakeholders are working together to address these challenges and unlock investment in digital infrastructure.
Key points
- The NCC and stakeholders aim to strengthen collaboration to improve digital connectivity in Nigeria.
- Nigeria's data consumption increased by 47% in one year, highlighting the need for sustained investment in network infrastructure.
- The country's ability to attract investment and participate in global trade depends on the quality and reliability of its digital infrastructure.
