NCC HOST DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY INVESTMENT FORUM IN ABUJA
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has hosted the inaugural Nigeria Digital Connectivity Investment Forum in Abuja, bringing together government officials, investors, telecommunications operators, development finance institutions, technology companies and other industry stakeholders to explore ways of increasing investment in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
The two-day forum, held from September 29 to 30, 2026, was organised by the NCC in collaboration with Swedfund International AB and Ookla. It focused on identifying investment opportunities, addressing barriers to infrastructure deployment and developing partnerships capable of expanding digital connectivity across the country.
NCC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, said sustained investment was necessary to expand telecommunications networks, improve service quality and meet the rapidly growing demand for digital services. He noted that Nigeria’s data consumption rose from about 1.13 million terabytes in July 2025 to 1.66 million terabytes in July 2026, representing an increase of nearly 47 per cent.
Maida said the investment challenge extends beyond providing network coverage, stressing the need to improve the experience of existing users and ensure that infrastructure is resilient enough to support emerging technologies, including cloud services and artificial intelligence.
The NCC chief also highlighted measures aimed at creating a more favourable environment for investment, including engagement with state governments over Right of Way issues and the designation of telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, described digital infrastructure as an increasingly important component of Nigeria’s investment climate and competitiveness. She said connectivity must translate into productivity and tangible economic opportunities, noting the growing importance of fibre networks, data centres, cloud infrastructure, digital platforms, electronic payments and secure data systems to modern trade.
The forum also highlighted the importance of data-driven regulation and investment decisions. Through its collaboration with Ookla, the NCC is using network-performance information and consumer experience data to identify connectivity gaps and areas requiring further investment.
Stakeholders further identified energy costs, cybersecurity, digital skills, infrastructure gaps and regulatory coordination as areas requiring attention if Nigeria is to sustain the growth of its digital economy. NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi separately called for greater investment in connectivity, computing infrastructure and digital talent to support sectors such as financial services, healthcare, education and agriculture.
The forum therefore provided a platform for government and private-sector stakeholders to discuss practical measures for mobilising capital and partnerships to expand reliable, affordable and resilient digital connectivity, with the broader objective of supporting economic growth and Nigeria’s digital transformation.