The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has called for a more comprehensive framework for tracking investments in the telecommunications sector, arguing that current capital importation data does not fully reflect the scale of investments being made by operators.
In a statement reacting to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Q1 2026 Capital Importation Report, ALTON commended the Federal Government for its support of the industry, particularly the 50 per cent tariff adjustment approved in 2025, which it said helped stabilize the sector and restore financial sustainability.
According to the association, the tariff review provided operators with the financial headroom needed to address revenue challenges, improve operational viability, and embark on significant capital reinvestment programmes.
ALTON disclosed that mobile network operators, tower companies, and other industry players invested a total of ₦2.13 trillion in capital expenditure (CAPEX) in 2025, while ₦1.86 trillion has been earmarked for infrastructure expansion, technology upgrades, and other strategic investments in 2026.
The association noted that these investments are critical to improving network quality, expanding coverage, and supporting Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions.
While acknowledging the NBS report, which showed that foreign capital importation into the telecommunications sector declined from $80.78 million in 2025 to $7.24 million in the first quarter of 2026, ALTON argued that the figures represent only a fraction of the capital being deployed in the industry.
According to the group, much of the sector’s recent investment activity has been funded through domestic financing, retained earnings, and other financial arrangements that may not be captured by traditional foreign capital importation statistics.
“The significant difference between reported foreign capital inflows and actual infrastructure investments points to a gap in the way telecommunications sector investments are currently measured and reported,” the association said.
To address this challenge, ALTON proposed a collaborative initiative involving the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to develop a broader and more inclusive investment-tracking framework.
The association said a transparent and comprehensive investment reporting system would provide a more accurate picture of the sector’s contribution to the economy, strengthen investor confidence, support evidence-based policymaking, and enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for telecommunications investment.
ALTON reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with regulators and government agencies to ensure that the sector’s contributions to national development are properly documented and recognized.
The association also assured subscribers that operators remain committed to sustained investment in network expansion, modernization, resilience, and service quality improvements.
It expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for policies that have helped restore industry sustainability and investor confidence, adding that continued collaboration among government, regulators, and industry stakeholders would ensure uninterrupted access to the digital services that underpin economic growth and national development.
