The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for stronger investor confidence to help close Nigeria’s digital infrastructure gap

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, made the call on Tuesday at the opening of the Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum, saying predictable policies and regulatory clarity were essential to attracting long-term capital into the sector.

Maida said the forum was designed to bring policymakers, investors, development partners and industry stakeholders together to identify opportunities and address obstacles limiting investment in digital connectivity.

“Investors want certainty. They want clarity in government. Our responsibility is to facilitate discussions that encourage investors to bring in capital because, ultimately, that is what will allow us to close the infrastructure gap,” Maida said.

He explained that Nigeria’s ambition to grow its economy to about $1 trillion would require infrastructure capable of supporting increased economic activity, digital services and emerging technologies.

The NCC boss pointed to rising data consumption as evidence of the growing demand being placed on the country’s digital infrastructure.

He disclosed that data consumption reached about 1.66 million terabytes in July, compared with 1.13 million terabytes recorded in the corresponding period last year.

Maida said the increase reflected the growing reliance of Nigerians and businesses on digital services and highlighted the need for infrastructure investment to keep pace with demand.

The Commission, he added, was pursuing regulatory measures to improve the environment for infrastructure deployment, including efforts around fibre development and infrastructure sharing.

He also noted that engagements with stakeholders were continuing to reduce barriers to deployment and improve the protection of telecommunications infrastructure.

Repeated fibre cuts and other forms of damage to telecoms infrastructure have disrupted services in different parts of the country, increasing the cost and complexity of maintaining network availability.

Maida maintained that government could not bridge the infrastructure gap through regulation alone, stressing the importance of private capital in expanding connectivity.

“The opportunity is significant, but we need investors to have the confidence that the rules are clear, that the regulatory environment is predictable and that the investments they make today can support the services Nigerians will demand tomorrow,” the EVC noted.

He said the forum would give investors an opportunity to engage policymakers directly on the conditions required to unlock capital for digital infrastructure projects.

Maida also urged participants to explore financing models and partnerships that could extend connectivity to underserved communities and strengthen infrastructure in areas where demand is rising.

The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, described digital connectivity as an important foundation for economic development, noting that gaps in access still required sustained investment.

“Sweden sees strong opportunities for deeper commercial and technology partnerships with Nigeria, particularly where innovation and private investment can help expand access to digital services,” Westerholm said.

The ambassador added that stronger connectivity would support businesses, communities and digital innovation while creating opportunities for collaboration between both countries.

In his remarks, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, represented at the forum by the Director of Planning and Digital Economy in the ministry, Engr. Adetunji Adeyemo, said Nigeria’s digital transformation required closer alignment between infrastructure, policy, innovation, entrepreneurship and capital.

Tijani said government could not provide all the infrastructure required to meet the country’s rapidly growing digital needs, making private-sector participation critical.

“Government cannot do it alone. We need the private sector to come in, invest, innovate and help us build the infrastructure that will support the digital economy we are trying to create.”

He said public-private partnerships would be particularly important in extending connectivity to underserved areas and creating sustainable investment opportunities.

The Minister emphasised that investors needed a policy environment that provided sufficient clarity and predictability to support long-term decisions.

The two-day forum brought together government officials, investors, development institutions, technology companies and other industry stakeholders to examine investment opportunities, financing models, regulatory conditions and partnerships for expanding digital connectivity.

The discussions also focused on how Nigeria could mobilise more private capital to develop the infrastructure required to support its growing digital economy.