ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Telecommunications operators and regulators are facing increasing calls to tackle challenges hindering Nigeria’s fibre broadband expansion as industry stakeholders prepare for a major policy forum in Lagos.
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria said issues surrounding fibre-to-the-home deployment have become increasingly important to the country’s digital transformation efforts, warning that existing obstacles are slowing broadband penetration and limiting digital inclusion.
The development comes as ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, confirmed that the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, will deliver the keynote address at the Critical Conversation Forum on FTTH scheduled for June 30, 2026, in Lagos.
The forum is expected to convene telecommunications operators, infrastructure providers, investors, policymakers and state government representatives to discuss structural barriers affecting fibre deployment nationwide.
ATCON said the confirmation of the NCC chief has raised expectations for the event, themed “Fibre to the Home in Nigeria: Addressing Challenges, Strengthening Standards, and Ensuring Sustainable Deployment.”
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According to the association, fibre broadband infrastructure has become increasingly vital to Nigeria’s economic development, but operators continue to contend with several constraints that have slowed investments and network expansion.
The challenges include multiple taxation, high right-of-way charges, regulatory hurdles, infrastructure vandalism, inconsistent state policies, high capital requirements and limited access to financing for broadband projects.
Other concerns include poor stakeholder coordination, quality assurance issues and sustainability challenges affecting long-term network maintenance.
ATCON maintained that fibre broadband deployment requires a regulatory framework different from that of mobile telecommunications because of its fixed infrastructure nature, higher capital demands and longer investment cycle.
“The fibre broadband ecosystem is fundamentally different from mobile telecommunications and requires tailored regulatory frameworks that reflect its unique operational realities,” the association said in a statement.
It added that many policies developed during the mobile telecom era may not adequately address the complexities associated with FTTH and fibre-to-the-premises networks.
According to the association, discussions at the forum will centre on practical solutions, including regulatory reforms, infrastructure protection, technical standards, sustainable financing models, infrastructure sharing, consumer protection and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
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ATCON noted that expanding fibre broadband penetration is critical to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy goals, including job creation, digital inclusion, e-commerce growth and improved access to education and healthcare services.
The association said the engagement is expected to generate actionable recommendations aimed at accelerating broadband deployment and boosting investor confidence in the country’s telecommunications infrastructure sector.
The forum will also examine strategies for increasing state government participation in broadband expansion and addressing long-standing operational challenges affecting network rollout.
ATCON expressed confidence that the participation of the NCC leadership would help build consensus around the reforms required to fast-track fibre infrastructure development across the country.