ipNX, has once again emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among telecommunications operators, enhanced government support, and critical infrastructure reforms to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

This call was made by ipNX’s Divisional CEO, IpNX Business, Oluseyi Lala, at the recently concluded Nigeria Telecoms Forum held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos. The forum brought together senior telecom executives, infrastructure providers, operators, investors, telco associations, and industry professionals.

Speaking during a panel session titled “Securing the Digital Backbone: Cyber Resilience and Data Protection in the Age of 5G and Cloud,” Lala highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving telecom landscape. As the industry embraces advanced technologies such as 5G and cloud computing, he stressed that safeguarding digital infrastructure must remain a top priority.

He emphasized that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across the ecosystem, warning against the common assumption that vendors or infrastructure providers have already guaranteed system-wide protection. According to him, this mindset creates vulnerabilities, as effective security depends on coordinated vigilance and accountability from all stakeholders.

“Cybersecurity is no longer optional, it is fundamental to the sustainability of our industry. A unified and coordinated approach to threat detection and response will significantly enhance our ability to protect critical telecom infrastructure,” Lala said.

He further noted that collaboration among operators, regulators, and security agencies is essential to effectively mitigate risks and ensure service continuity. Lala also commended the Federal Government, particularly through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), for establishing a committee dedicated to responding to cyber threats within the sector.

Beyond cybersecurity, discussions at the forum highlighted a pressing structural challenge: power supply. Industry stakeholders called for a state of emergency on power, describing it as a critical enabler for telecom growth. Reliable electricity remains fundamental to network expansion, service quality, and cost efficiency, with operators continuing to bear the heavy burden of self-generation.

The forum also explored the financial realities facing telecom operators, particularly in light of recent currency devaluation. Participants stressed the need for companies to adopt more robust and transparent business models to attract long-term capital. The volatility of the naira has made multilateral institutions, including organizations such as the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), more cautious about extending long-term financing to the sector.

To address this, stakeholders pointed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies as a critical lever. Embracing ESG principles was identified as a “winning play” for telecom companies, not only enhancing brand credibility but also improving access to green funds and attracting foreign investment increasingly tied to sustainability benchmarks.

Jamiu Ijaodola, convener of the Nigeria Telecoms Forum, underscored the importance of collaboration in tackling these multifaceted challenges.

“The telecom sector is at a pivotal point where collaboration is no longer a choice but a necessity. Forums like this provide an opportunity for stakeholders to align priorities, share insights, and collectively build a more secure, resilient, and future-ready digital ecosystem for Nigeria,” he said.

In addition, discussions reinforced the need for an enabling regulatory environment that supports infrastructure investment, innovation, and long-term sector stability, in alignment with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation goals.

ipNX reaffirmed its commitment to driving industry collaboration and advocating for policies that support sustainable growth. With stronger partnerships between operators, investors, and government institutions—and urgent attention to power, capital access, and cybersecurity, Nigeria’s telecom sector is well-positioned to achieve greater resilience, improved service delivery, and expanded digital access nationwide.

United Kingdom’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has opened an investigation into Telegram over concerns relating to the spread of child sexual abuse material on the platform.

Ofcom said it had reviewed available evidence and would assess whether Telegram has failed, or is failing, to meet its legal obligations on illegal content under the Online Safety Act 2023.

The regulator noted that the law requires online platforms to minimise risks associated with illegal content and take swift action when such material is identified. It added that companies must demonstrate compliance with these responsibilities or face enforcement measures.

The investigation comes amid growing scrutiny of online platforms operating in the UK, as authorities push for stronger protections for children in digital spaces.

In response, Telegram denied the allegations, stating it “categorically” rejects the claims. The company said it has, since 2018, “virtually eliminated” the public spread of such material through the use of detection algorithms.

Telegram also expressed concern over the probe, suggesting it could be part of broader pressure on platforms that prioritise privacy and freedom of expression.

Ofcom has also launched separate investigations into Teen Chat and Chat Avenue, saying it is not satisfied that both platforms are doing enough to protect children from grooming risks.

Ms Suzanne Cater, Ofcom’s Director of Enforcement, said firms must strengthen safeguards or face serious consequences under the law.

“These firms must do more to protect children, or face serious consequences under the Online Safety Act,” she said.

The probe comes as the government of Keir Starmer intensifies efforts to enforce stricter online safety standards, particularly for younger users.

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek reports that Telegram has faced similar regulatory action in other jurisdictions. In February, Australia’s online safety regulator fined the company over delays in responding to inquiries regarding measures against child abuse and extremist content.

The Online Safety Act 2023 is widely regarded as one of the most stringent internet safety frameworks globally, placing direct responsibility on digital platforms to address illegal and harmful content or risk sanctions.

Hashed Emergent, the venture capital firm accelerating Web3 adoption in Africa and other emerging markets has announced the release of the second edition of the “Nigeria Web3 Landscape Report 2025.”

The landmark report reveals a maturing ecosystem that has successfully transitioned from early-stage foundations to a phase of consolidation, marked by a significant investment rebound and Nigeria’s continued dominance as Africa’s leading Web3 developer hub.

Drawing on extensive ecosystem interviews, primary research, and platform data, the 2025 report positions Nigeria as a critical anchor for global Web3 and blockchain adoption. Despite a complex regulatory environment, the nation’s resilient founders and deep talent pool have propelled the ecosystem forward, with on-chain value received rising 56% year-over-year to $92 billion.

“Nigeria’s momentum in Web3 has evolved beyond early adoption into a mature, utility-driven ecosystem, positioning the country as a key force in shaping both local and global web3 economy,” said Tak Lee, CEO and Managing Partner at Hashed Emergent.”

“With strong fundamentals across talent, stablecoin usage, and real-world applications, Nigeria is not only leading Africa’s Web3 growth but is increasingly defining how the continent participates in the global Web3 economy.”

Industry conversations about Web3 in Nigeria can sometimes lean heavily on momentum without fully capturing the structural shifts happening underneath. As the lead researcher of the report, Uchenna Edeoga, Associate, Platform (Africa), Hashed Emergent, stated, “This report aimed to bring more clarity to that picture through research, ecosystem engagement and market insight, highlighting not just the progress being made, but also the opportunities, constraints and signals that matter for the next phase of growth. This will serve as a useful resource for stakeholders looking to understand the ecosystem more deeply and engage it more effectively.”

A Resilient Investment Landscape: Funding More Than Doubles

After a slowdown in 2024, investment activity in Nigeria’s Web3 sector rebounded sharply in 2025. Nigerian founders raised $43 million, more than double the $20 million recorded the previous year. This growth was characterized by a concentration of capital in fewer, high-impact sectors, with scale capital modestly returning at the Series A stage, a clear signal of early ecosystem maturity.

The finance sector emerged as the undisputed leader, capturing 89% of total funding at $38 million, a five-fold increase from 2024. This surge was primarily driven by a wave of stablecoin-focused startups tackling real-world financial problems, including payments, on/off-ramps, and B2B cross-border transactions.
Stablecoins: The New Backbone of Nigerian Finance

Nigeria has solidified its position as a global stablecoin hub. The report highlights a staggering 9,000% growth in stablecoin deposits between 2018 and 2025. In 2025 alone, Nigeria led in 24-hour stablecoin P2P transfer volume on centralized exchanges, reaching $48.2 million.

This shift reflects a broader trend: for many Nigerians, crypto is no longer speculative, it is a practical tool for hedging against inflation and facilitating efficient remittances across regional and global corridors.

Developer Talent: Nigeria’s Competitive Advantage

Nigeria’s developer ecosystem remains its strongest growth signal. The country now accounts for 4% of all global Web3 developers, the highest contribution from any African nation. The talent base is rapidly maturing, recording a 36% year-over-year growth in 2025.

While the ecosystem is expanding, the report notes that 53% of developers have never worked with global teams, highlighting a critical opportunity for better-aligned incentives and international integration to retain top-tier talent.
Regulatory Progress Amidst Implementation Uncertainty

The regulatory landscape in 2025 saw significant milestones, including the SEC Nigeria’s formal recognition of digital assets as securities under the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025. Additionally, a new tax framework has provided much-needed clarity on the treatment of digital assets within the national tax system.

While implementation uncertainty and enforcement gaps remain, the overall trajectory is positive, supported by increasing engagement between Web3 stakeholders and regulators.
Looking Ahead

The Nigeria Web3 Landscape Report 2025 concludes that the nation’s growth trajectory is robust, anchored by technical innovation and entrepreneurial resilience. Hashed Emergent remains committed to backing early-stage founders in Nigeria, providing the capital and strategic mentorship needed to accelerate the nation’s ascent as a global Web3 leader.

The full report was prepared in collaboration with knowledge partners: Quidax, Convexity, Web3bridge, Guild Academy, and Infusion Lawyers.

For more information and to download the full report, visit: https://t.co/iAULsVnATn