Dialing for Change: Why Nigeria’s Telecom Giants are Demanding a Policy Reset.
The digital backbone of Nigeria is at a crossroads. As we approach the sunset of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020–2025, the mood among telecommunication operators is less about celebration and more about urgent recalibration.
Despite ambitious goals to blanket the nation in high-speed internet, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Industry leaders are now calling for a fresh policy framework. They argue that the current roadmap has failed to keep pace with the harsh economic shifts of the last five years.
The Stalled Ambition of the 2025 Plan
When the 2020–2025 plan was first unveiled, it promised a digital revolution. The target was 70% broadband penetration across the country. However, as of early 2026, we are still significantly short of that mark. Telecommunication companies point to a “perfect storm” of obstacles that the original plan simply did not anticipate.
Inflation has skyrocketed, and the cost of importing essential infrastructure has doubled due to currency fluctuations. For operators, the math no longer adds up.
They are tasked with expanding services into rural areas while their operational costs are ballooning. This disconnect has led to a slowdown in fiber optic deployment and a hesitation to invest in “frontier” zones where the return on investment is slow.
Breaking the Infrastructure Deadlock
A major sticking point for the industry is the persistent issue of “Right of Way” (RoW) charges. While the federal government has made efforts to harmonize these costs, many state governments continue to view telecom infrastructure as a “cash cow.” High fees and bureaucratic red tape make it incredibly expensive to lay the cables that carry the internet.
Operators are pushing for the new policy to designate telecommunications as “Critical National Infrastructure.” This status would provide better protection against vandalism and, more importantly, streamline the permit process.
Without a unified, national approach to infrastructure, the digital divide between urban centers like Lagos and rural communities will only continue to widen. The industry wants a policy that treats internet access as a basic right, not a luxury taxed at every turn.
A Sustainable Model for the Future
Beyond cables and towers, the industry is also calling for a review of the current pricing structure. For years, data and call rates have remained relatively flat despite the rising cost of energy and security.
Operators argue that the current model is unsustainable. They are advocating for a “floating” tariff system that can adjust to economic realities.
This isn’t just about corporate profits; it is about the survival of the digital economy. If providers cannot afford to maintain their networks, the quality of service for every Nigerian will suffer.
The proposed new policy for 2026 and beyond must find a balance. It needs to protect consumers from sudden price hikes while ensuring that companies have the capital to innovate. As the government begins drafting the next roadmap, the message from the telecom sector is clear: the old playbook is broken, and it’s time for a smarter dial-tone.
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