On Monday, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria stated its members will commence service shedding if nothing was done to hike pricing.
Gbenga Adebayo, the chairman of ALTON, said in a statement released in Lagos that the Nigerian telecom sector was confronted with a serious issue that needed immediate response. He claimed that static rates and growing operating costs were making it difficult for operators to thrive.
“There is a need to issue an urgent and critical call to action for the future of our telecommunications industry as we reflect on the end of 2024,” Mr. Adebayo stated. “Immediate and drastic reform is necessary for the sector’s sustainability and existence. For the sector to remain sustainable, tariffs must be adjusted to at least reflect the economic reality of providing telecom services.
The ALTON CEO cautioned that without this assessment, operators could not continue to ensure service availability and that the industry could suffer dire repercussions.
He listed a few consequences, including service interruptions, economic ramifications, and disturbances to the national economy.
Service shedding will cause millions of Nigerians to lose access to services in specific areas and at specific times of the day, Mr. Adebayo said. “Businesses will suffer from a lack of connectivity, stalling growth and innovation,” he said, implying that this would have major economic consequences.
In his warning about the possible disruption to the national economy, Mr. Adebayo noted that key sectors like healthcare, education, commerce, and security—all of which heavily depend on telecom infrastructure—would be negatively affected.
Mr. Adebayo emphasised that while the industry’s problems are not new, they are growing more serious and dangerous every year.
He mentioned the unrelenting strain of inflation, fluctuating exchange rates, growing operational expenses, and soaring energy costs.
The ALTON CEO stated that more work needed to be done to ensure the industry’s future, but he was confident that stakeholders would band together to defend the principles and significance of telecommunications in society.
Mr. Adebayo warned that inaction might endanger one of the most important foundations of Nigeria’s growth and urged all parties involved to recognise the gravity of the situation and pledge to save the industry.
He stated that ALTON was willing to work with all stakeholders to ensure the sector’s survival and prosperity. “Now is the moment for us to come together, acknowledge the seriousness of the issue, and make a commitment to rescuing this sector.
History will remember that we opted to do nothing in the face of multiple warnings, putting one of the most crucial pillars of Nigeria’s development at risk. “If we are successful, 2025 could be the year that the telecoms industry turns around, a year of hope, resilience, and sustainability,” said Adebayo.