The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched the first-ever Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum in Abuja, aiming to attract local and global investors to develop resilient and inclusive connectivity in Nigeria. The forum, organized in partnership with Swedfund and Ookla, brings together investors, operators, financiers, development partners, state governments, infrastructure companies, and technology leaders to identify investment opportunities and partnerships required to bridge existing connectivity gaps.
The forum coincides with Nigeria's 25th anniversary of GSM, marking a significant milestone in the country's telecommunications history. In 2001, policy reforms and transparent licensing processes gave private investors the confidence to enter the market, which was previously inaccessible to most Nigerians. The NCC's Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized that this experience offers valuable lessons for the future.
Dr. Maida highlighted the changing demands on networks, with increased reliance on connections for various activities such as online classes, businesses, and cloud services. He stressed that sustaining investment is crucial to expanding networks and improving the experience of already connected users. According to recent data, Nigerians consumed 1.66 million terabytes of data in July 2026, representing a 47% increase from July 2025.
To improve investment conditions, the NCC and Federal Government have taken deliberate steps, including the 2025 Tariff Adjustment, Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), and Right of Way (RoW) engagement. These efforts aim to address financial pressures on operators, protect telecom assets, and streamline deployment costs and bottlenecks.
The NCC is adopting an evidence-based decision-making approach, collaborating with Swedfund and Ookla to build a better understanding of connectivity experiences. The commission publishes network performance reports, making evidence available to the wider market. Additionally, the Consumer Data Lab, funded by the Gates Foundation, integrates data on speed, coverage, consumer complaints, and operator interventions to examine service issues and identify areas for further deployment or network upgrades.
The two-day forum will examine connectivity opportunities across Nigeria's geopolitical zones, explore financing models, and engage in deal-oriented roundtables. Participants will discuss practical difficulties in deployment and identify bankable opportunities and partnerships required to deliver them.
The NCC's efforts aim to facilitate investment, protect consumers, and promote fair competition. Dr. Maida emphasized that investors need confidence in regulatory decisions, which will be clear, proportionate, and evidence-based. The forum provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in Nigeria's digital connectivity landscape.
Key points
- NCC urges global and local investors to partner with the government to build resilient and inclusive connectivity in Nigeria.
- Nigeria's data consumption surged 47% to 1.66 million terabytes in July 2026.
- The NCC adopts an evidence-based decision-making approach to drive investment and improve connectivity.
