Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), official industry umbrella body and pressure group for major mobile network operators in the country, has faulted claims that  foreign direct investments (FDIs) into the sector slumped significantly in quarter one (Q1).

Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, ALTON

ALTON, said that with N2.13 trillion spent in 2025 on network upgrades and expansion that they would invest an additional N1.86 trillion on network expansion this year.

The body was reacting to the claim by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that FDIs into the sector slumped significantly in quarter one.

The telcos commended the Federal Government for its continued support of the industry, while calling for a more comprehensive framework to track and report investments coming into the sector.

The operators highlighted the importance of accurate data in shaping investor perceptions and guiding policy decisions.

The association noted that while the NBS recently released its Q1 Capital Importation Report, the figures presented do not fully capture the scale of capital deployment within Nigeria’s telecoms industry.

“This disparity between reported foreign capital inflows and actual infrastructure investment highlights a gap in how sectoral capital deployment is currently measured and reported,” the statement read.

ALTON, in the statement, signed by Gbenga Adebayo and Damian Udeh, chairman and publicity secretary, respectively, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for approving a strategic 50 per cent tariff increase in 2025, describing it as a pivotal intervention that rescued the industry from financial distress.

According to the association, the tariff adjustment restored operational viability, closed critical revenue gaps and enabled operators to reinvest in infrastructure and service quality.

The association emphasised that the policy intervention transformed the sector from a struggling model into a sustainable, growth-focused industry.

“The timely investment enabled operators to transition from financial distress to a sustainable, growth-focused model characterised by significant capital reinvestment,” ALTON stated.

The statement revealed that telecom operators, tower companies, and other players in the sector recorded a total capital expenditure of N2.13 trillion in 2025. For 2026, planned capital expenditure stands at N1.86 trillion, with funds directed towards network infrastructure expansion, technology upgrades, and operational investments critical to maintaining service quality and coverage.

These commitments, ALTON stressed, are fundamental to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy objectives and improving services for millions of subscribers nationwide.

While the NBS report indicated a sharp decline in foreign capital importation into the telecom sector, from $80.78 million in 2025 to just $7.24 million in Q1 2026, ALTON argued that this metric only reflected a portion of the actual investment activity.

The association explained that much of the sector’s capital deployment now comes from domestic sources, including reinvested operational earnings.

These financial mechanisms, ALTON noted, are not fully reflected in conventional foreign capital importation metrics, thereby painting an incomplete picture of the industry’s health.

To address this reporting gap, ALTON proposed a collaborative engagement among the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the NBS, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The goal, according to the association, is to develop a more inclusive and transparent investment-tracking framework that accurately reflects both foreign and domestic capital flows.

ALTON reassured the Nigerian public that telecom operators remain committed to continuous investment in network expansion, modernisation, resilience and service quality improvements.

The association pledged to work closely with regulators and government institutions to ensure that the sector’s contributions to national development are comprehensively documented and appropriately recognised.

With sustained collaboration and government support, ALTON said Nigerians can expect uninterrupted access to digital services that drive economic growth, innovation, financial inclusion, and overall national development.

QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle-focused direct selling company, has taken note of media reports regarding the recent operation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Lagos State, which led to the rescue of several individuals and the arrest of suspects allegedly involved in human trafficking, unlawful detention, and fraudulent activities.

QNET

QNET unequivocally condemns all forms of human trafficking, fraud, exploitation, unlawful detention, and other criminal acts. We commend the NSCDC for its swift intervention and for prioritising the safety and welfare of those affected.

While investigations are ongoing, QNET wishes to state clearly that it does not offer employment opportunities, overseas job placements, visas, migration services, or guaranteed financial returns in exchange for payment. Any individual or group making such representations is acting without the knowledge, authorization, or consent of the company.

Commenting on the incident, Biram Fall, Regional General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at QNET, said: “Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this unfortunate situation.

“We wish to reiterate that QNET does not offer jobs, overseas employment opportunities, visa services, or financial guarantees in exchange for payment. These are among the most common tactics used by fraudsters to exploit vulnerable individuals.

“We encourage the public to remain vigilant, verify information through our official channels, and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Protecting the public and safeguarding the integrity of our brand remain top priorities for QNET.”

QNET maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical conduct. The company actively enforces its Code of Ethics and Compliance Framework and takes disciplinary action against any Independent Distributor found to be in breach of its policies.

Since commencing operations in Nigeria through its local partner, Transblue Limited, in 2022, QNET has intensified its collaboration with government institutions, consumer protection agencies, law enforcement bodies, and the media to combat scams and misinformation associated with its brand.

These efforts include the launch of the “Say NO!” Anti-Fraud Campaign in November 2023, as well as strategic partnerships with the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Beyond Nigeria, similar initiatives have been implemented in Ghana, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone under the broader QNET Against Scams campaign.

These programmes are designed to educate communities on how to identify legitimate business opportunities, recognise common scam tactics, and avoid becoming victims of fraudulent schemes perpetrated in the company’s name.

QNET remains committed to working alongside governments, regulators, law enforcement agencies, media organisations, and civil society groups to combat fraud, protect consumers, and promote ethical entrepreneurship across Africa.

Members of the public are encouraged to verify information about QNET, its products, and its business model through the company’s official website, www.qnet.net.

Individuals who encounter suspicious recruitment activities, fraudulent job offers, visa schemes, or any misuse of the QNET name are urged to report such incidents through QNET’s compliance and integrity channels.

Suspected cases may be reported via WhatsApp on +233 2566 30005 or by email at [email protected]. All reports are handled confidentially and investigated in accordance with QNET’s compliance procedures.

For more information about QNET and its anti-fraud initiatives, visit www.qnet.net.