Major telecommunications companies operating in Nigeria—Glo, MTN, Airtel, and 9Mobile—have highlighted pressing issues within the industry, urging for constructive dialogue and intervention.
Citing the disconnect between current price controls and economic realities, the telcos emphasised the need for government involvement to address pricing challenges.
Despite economic hardships, these companies have refrained from making price adjustments for over a decade, citing regulatory constraints as the primary hindrance.
In a joint statement issued by the Association of Licenced Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), concerns were raised over the sustainability of the industry and the potential erosion of investor confidence if pricing issues persist.
ALTON Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, and ATCON President, Mr. Tony Emoekpere, underscored the necessity for a pricing framework that balances consumer affordability with operators’ financial viability. They called for a dialogue between government and industry stakeholders to address these challenges effectively.
The telcos expressed alarm over escalating security threats impacting their services. Highlighting the pivotal role of telecom infrastructure in national security and socioeconomic growth, they urged the government to prioritize security measures to safeguard critical assets against vandalism and sabotage.
Attacks on cell towers, fiber optic cables, and other vital infrastructure not only disrupt services but also incur significant financial losses for operators. The industry called for collaboration with law enforcement agencies to enhance protection measures and combat security challenges effectively.
Amid these concerns, the telecom companies emphasized the need for substantial investments in network expansion, maintenance, and technology upgrades to meet evolving consumer demands and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
As the industry awaits government response, stakeholders underscored the urgency of addressing pricing and security issues to sustain growth and development in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
