Leadership in Telecommunications and Digital Innovation
Engr. Adebayo made several important statements over the weekend during the unveiling of Nigeria’s first Digital Museum, an initiative aimed at preserving and showcasing the nation’s rich history and cultural heritage. The event highlighted the growing role of technology in safeguarding national identity while also paving the way for future development.
He praised IHS Towers for leading this initiative, calling it a strong example of corporate responsibility. By investing in the preservation of Nigeria’s past and simultaneously building the infrastructure needed for the future, IHS has set a benchmark for other companies to follow.
Growth and Investment in the Telecom Sector
Speaking about the current state of the telecommunications sector, Engr. Adebayo noted that after addressing sustainability concerns earlier in the year, the industry is now seeing significant new investments. This level of investment is the highest since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of ALTON are actively optimizing networks, constructing new sites to meet increasing demand, upgrading existing infrastructure, and transitioning more sites from outdated radio links to high-speed fiber connections.
Tower Companies (TowerCos) are also taking steps to enhance security across telecom sites. They have started fitting removable batteries and generators with tracking devices to help recover stolen equipment. Engr. Adebayo urged the public to avoid purchasing any equipment suspected to have been stolen from these sites.
Capacity Development and Workforce Training
Engr. Adebayo emphasized the ongoing efforts to develop the skills of the workforce within the sector. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has established strict service level requirements, and the industry is committed to not only meeting but exceeding these standards. Although network optimization may sometimes cause temporary service disruptions, he asked the public for their understanding, as these efforts will ultimately lead to a better user experience nationwide.
Industry Governance and New Leadership
On the topic of industry governance, the ALTON Chairman expressed his satisfaction with the inauguration of the new Board of the NCC, led by Mr. Idris Olorunimbe. He praised Mr. Idris for his reputation for excellence and expressed confidence in the leadership of the Executive Management Team under Dr. Aminu Maida. He believes that the new board will help maintain the progress already achieved and ensure continued growth and sustainability in the sector.
Rebranding and Collaboration
Engr. Adebayo welcomed the rebranding of Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services (EMTS) from 9Mobile to T2, calling it a significant milestone for the industry. As a key member of ALTON, EMTS’ transformation into T2 is seen as a positive step that enhances investor confidence and highlights the importance of collaboration. This rebranding signals a promising future for the sector and reassures the public that positive developments are on the horizon.
Right of Way and Enabling Environments
Addressing the issue of Right of Way (RoW), Engr. Adebayo stressed the importance of creating enabling environments for investments to thrive. He warned that states that create hostile conditions for telecom operations risk falling behind. He said that if deployment is unwelcome in certain areas, investments will move to more supportive neighboring states, leaving citizens in unfriendly regions with limited connectivity. He called on all state actors to collaborate to ensure no one is left behind in the digital transformation.
Taxation Reforms and Economic Impact
Engr. Adebayo commended the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its ongoing reforms, particularly those led by the Presidential Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform Committee. He described these reforms as a crucial step toward simplifying Nigeria’s tax system and eliminating the burden of multiple taxation. These changes are expected to benefit small and medium-sized businesses by promoting entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and fostering a more business-friendly environment.
He looked forward to the implementation of these reforms in January 2026, expressing confidence that the over 56 taxes and levies currently affecting members across various jurisdictions will soon be a thing of the past.
Commitment to National Growth
In conclusion, Engr. Adebayo thanked all industry stakeholders and reaffirmed ALTON’s commitment to the development of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. He noted that the transformation currently underway is one of the most significant in recent years. He acknowledged the NCC’s leadership, congratulated the new board, and expressed optimism about the milestones yet to come.
The industry is moving forward, and with the support of the public in protecting critical infrastructure, there is no stopping Nigeria’s telecommunications sector as a driver of national economic stability and growth.
