The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has raised concerns over what it described as growing regulatory encroachment by non-core government agencies, warning that such interference is threatening the stability and investment climate in the telecom sector.
This was the major highlight of ATCON’s Annual General Meeting and National Executive Council (NEC) elections held Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, with the theme, “Impact of Adjacent Agencies on Nigerian Telecom Sector: The Way Forward.”
ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, in his address, said the industry has witnessed significant growth under his watch, with 27 new companies joining and the association participating in over 75 strategic engagements. However, he decried the activities of agencies outside the core telecom space, which he accused of imposing multiple levies and policies on operators.
Stakeholders at the AGM warned that the rising trend of regulatory duplicity by state revenue and infrastructure agencies could discourage investment and cripple operations.
Also speaking, former ATCON President and CEO of Digital Realty Nigeria, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, called for discipline among industry players, lamenting a lack of cohesion in pricing strategies and contract negotiations. He noted that internal undercutting has weakened the sector’s collective position.
On his part, ATCON Vice President and CEO of IXPN, Muhammed Rudman, compared Nigeria’s heavy reliance on mobile internet with South Africa’s fixed-line penetration, calling for deeper infrastructure investment to retain local traffic and boost broadband quality.
To reposition the sector, Emoekpere announced plans to set up an Industry Think Tank Committee to harmonise engagement strategies with government agencies stressing the need to establish a unified code of conduct among members. Discussions at the meeting extended to workforce development, as stakeholders resolved to partner with academic institutions and develop virtual training models to bridge the skills gap. The new NEC members were sworn in with a charge to prioritise regulatory reform and industry collaboration.