The leadership of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has acknowledged the National Bureau of Statistics’ Q1 2026 Capital Importation Report and commended the ongoing efforts to monitor investment flows across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and Publicity Secretary, Sir Damian Udeh and made available to Business Hilights.ng, ALTON averred that “We recognize the importance of accurate data in shaping investor perceptions and guiding policy decisions, and we believe that additional context regarding the telecommunications sector’s current investment landscape will provide stakeholders with a more comprehensive understanding of the industry’s health and trajectory.”
“ALTON wishes to express sincere appreciation to the Federal Government for the strategic 50% tariff increase approved in 2025, which played a pivotal role in stabilizing the telecommunications sector, addressing critical revenue sustainability gaps, and restoring operational viability during a particularly challenging period. The timely investment enabled operators to transition from financial distress to a sustainable, growth-focused model characterised by significant capital reinvestment.
“The sector’s recovery is reflected in sustained capital deployment. In 2025, Mobile Network Operators, Tower Companies and other Players in the sector recorded a total capital expenditure of ₦2.13 trillion, with planned capital expenditure of ₦1.86 trillion for 2026, directed towards network infrastructure expansion, technology enhancements, and essential operational investments critical to maintaining service quality and coverage. These commitments are fundamental to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy objectives and improving services for millions of subscribers nationwide.
ALTON noted further that “While the NBS report indicates a decline in foreign capital importation into the telecommunications sector from $80.78 million in 2025 to $7.24 million in Q1 2026, this metric appears to capture only a portion of the total capital actively deployed within the sector. Our industry’s substantial Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) figures suggest that current investment derives from domestic capital sources, reinvested operational earnings – financial mechanisms that may not be fully reflected in conventional foreign capital importation metrics.
“This disparity between reported foreign capital inflows and actual infrastructure investment highlights a gap in how sectoral capital deployment is currently measured and reported.
“To ensure Nigeria’s telecommunications sector investment profile is accurately represented, ALTON respectfully proposes a collaborative engagement among the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Bureau of Statistics, and the Central Bank of Nigeria to develop a more inclusive and comprehensive investment-tracking framework.
“A transparent investment profile reflecting the sector’s substantial annual capital commitments will better position Nigeria as a credible and attractive destination for telecommunications investment, inform sound policy development, and sustain investor confidence. We remain committed to working collaboratively with regulatory authorities and government institutions to ensure the sector’s contributions to national development are comprehensively documented and appropriately recognised.
“ALTON expresses its profound appreciation to the Federal Government for its continued support of the telecommunications sector and for the policy interventions that have helped restore industry sustainability and investor confidence. We wish to assure the Nigerian public that telecommunications operators remain committed to continuous investment in network expansion, modernization, resilience, and service quality improvements.
“With sustained collaboration and support of the government, regulators, and industry stakeholders, we wish to assure the public of continuous access to the digital services that drive economic growth, innovation, financial inclusion, and overall national development.
