The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has urged members, especially indigenous Internet Service Providers (ISPs), to drive Nigeria’s $900 million broadband expansion.

Its President, Tony Emoekpere, who disclosed this at the association’s yearly general meeting in Lagos, yesterday, stressed that the future of the country’s digital economy hinges on empowering indigenous operators.

He argued that while major cities are well-served, local ISPs are the “secret weapon” for delivering last-mile connectivity to rural wards and local government areas.

He noted that local ISPs are central to expanding broadband access, particularly in underserved and rural areas, where last-mile connectivity remains a major challenge.

According to him, empowering local operators would not only improve connectivity but also stimulate innovation across key segments such as FinTech, software development, digital platforms, and other emerging technologies

The centrepiece of this transformation is the Federal Government’s Project BRIDGE, a nationwide fiber optic rollout fueled by a powerhouse consortium of international backers, including World Bank ($500 million); African Development Bank (AfDB) ($200 million); European Bank (EBRD) ($100 million), and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) ($100 million).

Calling for a shift in perspective, Executive Director, Broadbased Communication Limited, Chidi Ibisi, emphasised that “local content” should not be viewed as protectionism, but as a strategic economic engine.

With SMEs accounting for over 98 per cent of Nigerian businesses, and contributing more than 50 per cent of the GDP, other stakeholders argued that foreign investment must be tethered to local skill development and job creation to ensure economic value stays within the country.

To ensure the $900 million investment yields maximum impact, ATCON is moving toward a self-regulatory framework. Key upcoming initiatives include: Developing a telecom-specific local content framework; establishing a multi-stakeholder committee to set measurable targets; and advocating for an open-access model that allows smaller ISPs to compete with industry giants.

The stakeholders, who noted that as Nigeria continues to lead in FinTech and software development, said there must be an infrastructure push, expected to be combined with the right local participation to bridge the digital divide and cement the nation’s position in the global digital economy.