Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator is shifting attention from expanding network coverage to ensuring the industry’s long-term financial sustainability, as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) prepares to lead discussions at the seventh Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF 7.0).
The commission will serve as the keynote speaker at the forum scheduled for September 16, 2026, in Lagos, where industry leaders will discuss how Nigeria can attract more investment into digital infrastructure while supporting innovation.
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The event, organised by Business Remarks, comes at a time when telecom operators are under pressure from rising operating costs, foreign exchange volatility, energy expenses and growing demand for high-speed internet.
The forum is themed “Rethinking Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure Strategy to Attract Investment and Drive Innovation.”
Unlike previous years when industry discussions focused mainly on expanding broadband coverage, this year’s forum will examine how Nigeria can create an investment environment that encourages more funding for fibre networks, data centres, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity and next-generation mobile networks.
According to the convener of the forum, Bukola Olanrewaju, investment in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector reached about $75.6 billion by the end of 2025, while operators are expected to invest more than $1.38 billion in 2026 to strengthen network capacity, improve resilience and enhance service quality.
The forum is expected to bring together the NCC, mobile network operators, infrastructure companies, data centre operators, fintech firms, investors and policymakers.
Industry experts say the conversation has become increasingly important because demand for digital services is growing faster than operators’ ability to finance network expansion.
Although Nigeria continues to record growth in internet usage and digital services, telecom operators have repeatedly warned that maintaining network quality requires massive and continuous investment in fibre infrastructure, towers, power systems and cybersecurity.
The sector is also preparing for wider deployment of 5G services, increased fibre connectivity and stronger cloud infrastructure to support artificial intelligence, financial technology and digital commerce.
Attracting long-term private capital into these areas will require stable regulation, predictable policies and closer collaboration between government and industry.
Over the past six editions, the Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum has discussed issues ranging from broadband expansion and infrastructure financing to mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), digital skills and emerging technologies.
This year’s edition is expected to focus on how Nigeria can move beyond infrastructure deployment to building a sustainable digital economy capable of supporting businesses, creating jobs and attracting global technology investment.
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The NCC’s participation as keynote speaker also reflects the regulator’s increasing emphasis on creating policies that balance consumer protection, investor confidence and long-term sector growth.
As Nigeria competes with other African markets for technology investment, stakeholders believe stronger collaboration between regulators and the private sector will be critical to ensuring that the country’s digital infrastructure keeps pace with rising demand for connectivity and innovation.
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