Industry stakeholders have called on the federal government, regulators, and private sector players to rethink Nigeria's digital infrastructure strategy to attract investments and drive digital innovation. This call was made during the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 7.0) in Lagos, hosted by Business Remarks. The forum aimed to move beyond rhetoric and proffer actionable solutions to Nigeria's persistent digital infrastructure deficit.
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, noted that the Nigerian telecom industry has performed well in its over 25 years of existence. He called on the federal government and the private sector to invest more in digital infrastructure to drive investments and innovation. This investment is crucial for the growth of the digital economy.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Ajibola Olude, emphasized the need for a renewed focus on talent development, rural inclusion, and infrastructure investment. These areas are critical for driving the country's digital economy. The development of digital infrastructure will also create new opportunities for economic growth.
The convener of the forum and Managing Editor of Business Remarks, Mrs. Bukola Olanrewaju, noted that the forum was convened to address Nigeria's persistent digital infrastructure deficit. The forum brought together industry stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the sector. The goal is to find solutions to the country's digital infrastructure challenges.
In his keynote presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of Digital Realty Nigeria and Co-chair of the National Cloud Initiative Technical Working Group, Ikechukwu Nnamani, raised concerns about Nigeria's data being hosted outside the country. He disclosed that over 80 per cent of Nigeria's sovereign data is currently hosted outside the country, describing it as a significant national risk. This has resulted in an estimated loss of $3.5 billion annually to foreign cloud service providers.
The Chief Operating Officer of WTES Group, Mr. Chidi Ajuzie, noted that broadband penetration in Nigeria remains around 57 per cent despite mobile penetration of about 90 per cent. He identified capital starvation, right of way crisis, and regulatory fragmentation as major obstacles to fibre rollout. These challenges hinder the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria.
The stakeholders' call for a rethink of Nigeria's digital infrastructure strategy is aimed at addressing the country's digital infrastructure deficit. The investment in digital infrastructure will drive innovation and create new opportunities for economic growth. The federal government and private sector players must work together to address these challenges and drive digital innovation in Nigeria.
Key points
- Nigeria loses an estimated $3.5 billion annually to foreign cloud service providers.
- Over 80 per cent of Nigeria's sovereign data is currently hosted outside the country.
- Broadband penetration in Nigeria remains around 57 per cent despite mobile penetration of about 90 per cent.
