By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Association of Licenced Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has warned that Nigerian states with hostile working conditions and excessive regulations risk being excluded from future telecommunications infrastructure development and improved connectivity.
ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, issued the warning over the weekend, stating that states imposing unfriendly policies such as excessive levies and right-of-way restrictions are discouraging investment from telecom operators.
“States that create hostile conditions for telecom operations risk being left behind. Where deployment is unwelcome, investments will move to more supportive neighbouring states, and citizens of unfriendly states will inevitably suffer limited connectivity,” Adebayo cautioned.
He revealed that telecom operators currently pay up to 56 different levies across the country, describing the burden as unsustainable. However, he expressed optimism that the recently signed tax reform bills will help streamline the charges, with reductions expected to take effect from January 2026.
Adebayo emphasized that ALTON and its members will no longer continue to plead for cooperation from state authorities indefinitely, urging states to prioritize digital infrastructure development by creating enabling environments for telecom growth.
