The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has raised alarm over ongoing challenges that threaten the sustainability of the telecom industry. The association highlighted issues such as multiple taxation, Right of Way (RoW) bottlenecks, and infrastructure vandalism, which continue to hinder the sector’s growth and development.
Speaking at ATCON’s 31st-anniversary event in Lagos over the weekend, the association’s President, Tony Emoekpere, stressed that these key obstacles must be addressed to unlock the full potential of the telecom industry and secure its role in Nigeria’s national development.
Emoekpere emphasized the critical role of telecommunications in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation but warned that systemic issues were blocking progress. He said, “Our industry has the potential to transform every aspect of Nigerian society, yet challenges like multiple taxation, Right of Way bottlenecks, and infrastructure vandalism continue to hold us back. The industry is burdened by overlapping and excessive taxes imposed by federal, state, and local governments, which create a hostile environment, discourage investment, and stifle innovation.”
He also noted that the process of obtaining permissions for infrastructure rollout remains a lengthy and costly one, delaying broadband expansion and network upgrades across the country. “Persistent vandalism of telecom infrastructure, including fiber cables and base stations, leads to significant financial losses and service disruptions, affecting both operators and consumers,” Emoekpere added.
To address these issues, he called for greater collaboration among government agencies, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. He stressed the need for harmonized taxation policies to eliminate redundancies, streamlined right-of-way approvals to expedite infrastructure deployment, and enhanced security measures to protect critical telecom infrastructure from vandalism.
Emoekpere concluded by reiterating that the continued growth and development of the telecom sector are essential not only for the industry but also for Nigeria’s broader ambition to become a leading digital economy in Africa.
