Telecom
Removing Obstacles to Growth in Telecom
The liberalization of telecommunications industry in the country has no doubt brought about unimaginable growth in the country’s economy. Aside huge foreign direct investment the country has received through activities in the sector, the sector is today fueling growth in various other sectors, such as banking, where working hours are no longer impediment to an account holder having access to his or her bank account, provided the account holder has Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card. These ATMs located at bank premises and other strategic locations are powered through a communications link provided by telecommunications operators. More so, the industry has enhanced efficiency in transportation, manufacturing, education as well as health with words such as telemedicine.
Today, telecommunication sector is the most vibrant of all other sectors in the economy, the sector outside providing the much needed communications services has assisted in the upspring of other service delivery which has created employment opportunities for Nigerian. For instance, the telecommunications masts we see around are made up of different components such as steel structure, microwave equipment among others. The steel structure are not imported, they are constructed and erected by Nigerians. More so, we often times see on our television screen adverts that require people either to subscriber to value added services or vote as well as participate in a quiz by sending short message service to short code such as 37894, 56789 among others. These services are not mostly provided by telecommunications operators, but by independent content providers who earn their living through such service.
There are many other ancillary services being provided to telecom operators that assist them in providing service by Nigerian companies. We are not talking about several thousands of Nigerians who are earning their livelihood through the sale of telecom consumables such as recharge cards, Sim and mobile phone accessories.
Last year Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, puts foreign direct investment in the telecom sector at $12 billion. This is outside investment made by Nigerians in the sector. Investment in telecommunications in not a one-off thing, as technology changes which makes some equipment obsolete so will the operator continue to upgrade which is also part of investment. Presently, not every nooks and cranes of the country have been covered with telecommunications services which means that more investment is required to provide coverage to these areas. Just recently, Zain group said it plans an investment of $12 billion on network expansion in its African operation of which Nigeria is part of it. Glo 1 undersea cable landed last year, MainOne is expected to land this year as well as West African Cable System another submarine project being pioneered by a consortium led by MTN is also bid to land in the country. These and many more are ongoing investment in the country that should be allowed to deliver its benefits to Nigerians.
If all the expansion projects being embarked upon by telecom operators are prevented through unfriendly government policies the resultant effect will be that most communities will be cut off in the coverage of telecom services that will retard growth and development in the sector which is known today as the fastest in Africa.
Obstacle to Growth
Telecommunications operators over the past five years have been battling with enormous challenges in their effort to provide quality of service to their subscribers, such challenges include theft of generators as well as other equipment installed at base stations. The problem of theft of diesel and generators have continued unabated that operators are losing an average of three generators everyday, this prompted operators into considering options such as managed services where management of base stations are outsourced to other companies.
Other challenges are activities of miscreants who make stupendous financial demand on operators for citing base station in their area and when refueling their diesel tanks. The problem of multiple taxation by different government agencies have continued, operators are subjected into payment of unapproved taxes by both state and local governments who believed that telecommunications business is a goldmine from where they can beef up their internally generated revenue.
In all of these, the most worrisome is the latest ultimatum given to operators by National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency.
The agency gave operators in the country up to May 24 this year to submit comprehensive audit reports of their masts and base stations located in all corners of the country.
Dr Ngeri Benebo, director-general of Nesrea, said that because of the proliferation and indiscriminate installation of masts and base stations, compiling inventory and audit reports of mobile phone operators in the country has become very necessary in order for her Agency to be able to keep track of development in the telecom industry and ensure strict adherence to the laws guiding masts and base stations installation.
Dr. Benebo gave the ultimatum during a consultative meeting with the telecommunication operators.
"In this country, telecommunication operators have not deemed it necessary to adhere strictly to relevant laws and regulations guiding the operation of the telecommunication industries. Regrettably, more than five months after the first meeting with telecom operators in the country during which the honourable minister of environment enjoined key stakeholders in the industry to apply precautionary principles in their operations our headquarters and zonal offices have continued to be besieged with public complaints regarding the proliferation and indiscriminate citing of masts and base stations with their attendant environmental safety and health implications on the general public", she said.
While appreciating the immense contributions of the telecommunication industry to the growth of the nation’s economy, Benebo said that such contributions should not be allowed to impinge on the social and environmental wellbeing of the citizens, adding that her Agency must, at all time balance economic, social and environmental considerations in the quest for mobile telephony development.
"We are now set to play to the game by the rule. We owe Nigerians the duty to ensure a clean, healthy and safe environment. However, we owe the telecommunication operators coommittment and support to ensure a friendly and cordial regulations that govern operations".
The Nesrea boss said that the 3-month period was irreversible; adding that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe would spell doom for any telecommunication operator.
It would be recalled that Dr. Benebo had last year expressed reservation over what she called indiscriminate erection of telecommunications mast in various communities in the country during a visit to Ernest Ndukwe, EVC in Abuja. She said operators should conduct Environmental Impact Assessment before installing their masts. According to her, EIA was necessary to ensure that the environment and human beings were not adversely affected by such installations.
She added that the agency had received complaint from some members of the public that such masts were within residential areas and urged the affected companies to take adequate measures to mitigate any negative impact.
The agency, she said will hold dialogue with stakeholders to educate them on the need to comply with the EIA requirement and that it will collaborate with NCC to address some of the environmental issues arising from the location of masts in residential areas. “The issue of location of masts has become a top priority for Nesrea because of the public outcry; we in the agency have decided that it should be a top issue to be discussed,” she said. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian government she noted to ensure that the environment is conducive for human habitation.
In response, Ndukwe dismissed speculations that emission radiation from base stations was injurious to the health of people living around them.
He added that it could not be to the best interest of the commission to allow industry operators endanger the lives of the Nigerian people in the process of carrying out their telecom business, noting that after all it is those people that will patronize the operators.
Ndukwe emphasized that for mobile technology to function effectively, operators must have base stations around the country, adding that what the commission has done was to set guidelines that must guide the erection of such towers and masts in order to create standard.
He pointed out that without base stations, there is no communications. Besides, some studies have shown that mainland Britian alone, has over 40,000 towers while Nigeria currently has about 20,000 base stations.
Ndukwe noted that, in the past, there had been all kinds of health concerns expressed about base stations especially those located in residential areas, and that those fears are baseless and all speculations. He explained that steel structure of a mast may look imposing and that it is only the small antenna at the top that has connection with radiation and that the output is very negligible compared to that of electric cable and television antenna.
In spite of these explanations one wonders what the agency is trying to achieve with the latest threat after the industry regulator has explained issues surrounding fears being expressed by people who are not well informed about the issue.
Industry watchers who spoke to Nigeria CommunicationsWeek are suspicious that the agency may be nursing the intention to collect tax from operators but could not come out as such demand is not backed by legislation, but turn around to use health implications as a threat requiring operators to seek impact assessment for all their projects.
They said seeking impact assessment of project that is already known the world over as not having any known health implications and with international standard as well as in line with NCC guideline is worrisome.
Government need to call its agencies to order when they are implementing policies that are detrimental to the growth and development of the economy, as the one Nesrea is about to implement which is capable of deterring operators in their current effort to expand their network coverage.
In an insightful assessment of governance standards across the continent, Mcebisi Jonas, chairman of MTN Group, has warned that Africa’s long-term economic redemption rests entirely on the independence and resilience of its core public institutions.
Speaking during the MTN’s The Y’ello Chair vodcast that debuted on August 2, 2026, the corporate titan asserted that fragile governance frameworks continue to destroy economic inclusion and starve the region of critical investments.
Jonas emphasised that building a sustainable economy requires deliberate structural effort rather than mere political promises.
According to him, Africa must consciously protect its public bodies from political interference if it ever hopes to build a globally competitive ecosystem.
Expressing deep worry over institutional decay, Jonas remarked, “You need to hardwire democracy, you need to hardwire economic growth, you need to hardwire economic inclusion. Institutions are central in that process… Once you rubbish your institutions, the country goes down the tube.”
Drawing on his own nation’s historical struggles, Jonas noted how South Africa narrowly averted a total systemic breakdown by protecting its judicial boundaries, though he cautioned that vigilance remains non-negotiable.
He observed that the ultimate test of any healthy democracy is whether a government can humbly submit to the rule of law. “There are few countries in the continent where [the] government goes to court and loses a case,” Jonas lamented, pinpointing judicial autonomy and impartial electoral commissions as the non-negotiable benchmarks of true institutional health.
Hard economic data strongly validates Jonas’s thesis. According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report, foreign direct investment (FDI) into Africa rebounded to $97 billion in 2024, raising the continent’s share of global inflows from 4% to 6%, driven largely by 36% of global pro-investment policy reforms originating from the continent.
However, experts stress that such capital flows remain highly volatile and tend to flee at the slightest sign of political instability or judicial compromise.
Tying institutional integrity directly to investor confidence, Jonas noted that capital is fundamentally cowardly – it flows only to destinations where credibility is guaranteed by law rather than whim.
As fiscal headwinds worsen across developing economies, Jonas warned African governments against taking shortcuts or manipulating tax policies at the expense of structural credibility, emphasising that a country’s economic survival depends on predictable, independent institutions.
The 12th edition of the eWorld Forum will hold on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme: “The GSM Digital Milestones: 25 Years On.”
Since its inauguration in 2010, the eWorld Forum has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for dialogue on information and communications technology (ICT), bringing together policymakers, regulators, telecommunications operators, technology companies, investors, academics and other industry stakeholders to discuss the future of the country’s digital economy.
The 2026 edition coincides with the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s GSM revolution, which began with the commercial rollout of GSM services in August 2001. Over the past two and a half decades, mobile telecommunications have transformed virtually every sector of the economy, reshaping communication, commerce, banking, education, healthcare, governance, entertainment and social interaction while accelerating digital inclusion and economic growth.
The forum will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the industry’s achievements over the last 25 years, examine current challenges, and chart the path forward in key areas such as broadband expansion, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, spectrum management and Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
A major highlight of the event will be the public launch of two books authored by veteran ICT journalist, Publisher of eWorldnews and Convener of the eWorld Forum, Aaron Ukodie.
The first book, Nigeria’s GSM Revolution at 25: The Hall of Digital Pioneers and Players, has been specially published to commemorate the silver jubilee of GSM in Nigeria. The publication chronicles the remarkable evolution of the nation’s telecommunications industry and documents the vision, policies, investments, innovations and contributions of the pioneers, regulators, operators, institutions, companies and individuals whose collective efforts transformed Nigeria into one of Africa’s largest telecommunications and digital markets.
The book serves as a follow-up to Ukodie’s earlier publication, Nigerian Drivers of Digital Prosperity: The Trajectory of the Digital Evolution, Sector Analysis and Players’ Contribution, further preserving the history of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The second publication, The Pilgrim Trail, is a deeply personal memoir that recounts the author’s life journey, professional experiences, Christian faith and reflections on God’s sustaining grace. The memoir also documents Ukodie’s recovery from the stroke he suffered in 2023 and how, despite prolonged physiotherapy and physical limitations affecting his right hand and right leg, he successfully completed both books. The work stands as a powerful testimony of resilience, perseverance, hope and unwavering faith.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ukodie said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to document both the history of Nigeria’s GSM revolution and my personal journey in The Pilgrim Trail.
“These books preserve important history while bearing testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness in my life. I look forward to sharing them with the public at the forum.”
Although both books will be officially launched during the forum, The Pilgrim Trail is already available for pre-launch orders.
According to the organisers, eWorld Forum 2026 is expected to be a landmark gathering that will celebrate one of Nigeria’s greatest technological success stories while preserving the history of the country’s digital transformation for future generations.
The forum will also honour the institutions, organisations and individuals whose pioneering efforts laid the foundation for Nigeria’s GSM revolution and continue to drive innovation across the nation’s digital ecosystem.
By Justice Winner
Nigeria’s startup ecosystem has entered a new era. Venture capital is no longer chasing bold ideas alone; investors are increasingly looking for businesses that combine innovation with sound governance, operational discipline, and long-term sustainability. As Nigeria reclaims its position as Africa’s leading destination for venture capital, founders must recognise that fundraising is no longer driven solely by product-market fit or revenue growth. Strategic communication has become a competitive advantage.
The collapse of once-promising startups despite raising millions of dollars demonstrates an important lesson: funding can accelerate growth, but reputation, trust, and transparency determine longevity. Investors now evaluate leadership credibility, governance standards, regulatory preparedness, and market positioning alongside financial performance.
Here are five strategic communication moves every startup should implement to improve investor confidence and strengthen enterprise value.
1. Build Trust Before You Need Capital
Investor relationships begin long before a fundraising round. Startups that consistently communicate their vision, milestones, customer impact, and business progress build familiarity and confidence within the investment community.
Rather than disappearing between funding announcements, founders should establish a regular cadence of updates through media engagements, company announcements, newsletters, and thought leadership. Consistent visibility demonstrates momentum, reduces uncertainty, and helps investors understand the long-term trajectory of the business.
Trust compounds over time, making fundraising conversations significantly easier when capital is eventually required.
2. Position Founders as Industry Thought Leaders
Increasingly, investors back founders as much as they back products.
Founders who contribute meaningfully to conversations around regulation, technology, financial inclusion, climate innovation, healthcare, or digital infrastructure establish themselves as credible industry leaders rather than startup operators chasing funding.
Strategic media interviews, opinion articles, conference speaking engagements, podcasts, and executive profiling help build authority. This visibility often places founders on the radar of venture capital firms long before formal introductions are made.
Strong executive visibility also reassures investors that company leadership can effectively represent the business during partnerships, regulatory engagements, and future expansion.
3. Communicate Governance as Clearly as Growth
One of the biggest lessons from recent startup failures is that rapid growth without strong governance creates significant investor risk.
Strategic communication should extend beyond customer acquisition and product launches. Founders should proactively communicate governance improvements, compliance initiatives, board appointments, internal controls, cybersecurity measures, and risk management practices.
Institutional investors increasingly evaluate operational maturity before deploying capital. Demonstrating transparency around governance signals that the company is built for sustainable growth rather than short-term expansion.
Clear governance messaging transforms compliance from a back-office function into an investor confidence strategy.
4. Own Your Narrative Before Others Do
Every startup has a story. The question is whether the company tells it first.
Without deliberate communication, external stakeholders—including competitors, critics, or market speculation—often define public perception. During periods of economic uncertainty, this can significantly influence customer confidence and investor sentiment.
A strategic communications plan should clearly articulate what problem the startup solves, why it matters, how the business creates measurable impact, and what differentiates it within the market.
Narrative ownership also becomes essential during difficult periods. Whether facing product challenges, regulatory changes, fundraising delays, or broader market volatility, startups that communicate openly and consistently are far more likely to preserve stakeholder trust than those that remain silent.
5. Showcase Impact, Not Just Investment
Funding announcements generate headlines, but sustained investor interest comes from demonstrating measurable impact.
Startups should regularly communicate meaningful business metrics, customer success stories, operational milestones, employment generation, market expansion, technology innovation, and contributions to national development.
Nigeria’s most attractive ventures increasingly solve structural challenges—from financial inclusion and agricultural distribution to clean energy and logistics. Communicating this broader economic impact positions startups as long-term infrastructure builders rather than short-term technology companies.
Investors increasingly seek businesses capable of generating sustainable value while contributing to broader economic transformation. The stronger the evidence of impact, the stronger the investment case.
Nigeria’s venture capital ecosystem continues to mature despite global economic headwinds. Improved foreign exchange stability, progressive policies such as the Nigerian Startup Act, increasing sector diversification, and stronger institutional participation have reinforced the country’s position as Africa’s leading innovation hub. However, capital is becoming more selective.
For today’s founders, strategic communication is no longer a marketing exercise—it is a business function that directly influences investor confidence, corporate reputation, partnerships, customer trust, and ultimately valuation. Companies that invest early in building credibility, communicating transparently, and positioning themselves as trusted market leaders will be better equipped to attract long-term capital and navigate future market cycles.
In an increasingly competitive investment landscape, startups that communicate strategically will not simply raise capital—they will command stronger valuations, build more resilient brands, and shape the next chapter of Nigeria’s innovation economy.
By Justice Winner, Senior Account Manager, IVI PR
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