Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have raised an alarm over the potential for widespread economic disruption in 2025, cautioning that service availability may no longer be guaranteed without urgent reforms to the sector.
The chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, issued the warning during a stakeholders’ end-of-year meeting, emphasising the critical state of the industry. He highlighted rising operational costs, soaring energy prices, inflation, and volatile exchange rates as factors pushing the sector toward unsustainability.
Adebayo explained that the telecom sector, which underpins vital national infrastructure, faces severe challenges that could result in “service shedding.” This scenario would see operators unable to provide services in certain areas or at specific times, leaving millions of Nigerians disconnected.
“If nothing is done, we might begin to see grim consequences unfolding in the New Year. Businesses will suffer from a lack of connectivity, stalling growth and innovation. Critical sectors like security, commerce, healthcare, and education, which rely heavily on telecom infrastructure, will face serious disruptions,” he warned.
He called for immediate reforms, including a tariff review to reflect the economic realities of providing telecom services, stating that without such changes, the industry’s survival remains uncertain.
“The resources needed to maintain, expand, and modernise our networks are no longer available. Without intervention, the future of this sector is at grave risk,” Adebayo said.
Despite the challenges, Adebayo expressed hope that 2025 could be a turning point if stakeholders act decisively. “Let this be the moment we come together, acknowledge the urgency of the situation, and commit to saving this sector. If we fail, history will record that we had countless warnings yet allowed inaction to jeopardise one of the most critical pillars of Nigeria’s development.”
ALTON reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the federal government and other stakeholders to address the pressing issues and ensure the telecom industry’s survival and prosperity.
