ipNX, a Nigeria-based information and communications technology company, has once again emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among telecommunications operators, enhanced government support, and critical infrastructure reforms to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
This call was made by Oluseyi Lala, ipNX’s Divisional CEO, IpNX Business, at the recently concluded Nigeria Telecoms Forum.
Speaking during a panel session titled “Securing the Digital Backbone: Cyber Resilience and Data Protection in the Age of 5G and Cloud,” Lala highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving telecom landscape.
As the industry embraces advanced technologies such as 5G and cloud computing, he stressed that safeguarding digital infrastructure must remain a top priority.
He emphasized that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across the ecosystem, warning against the common assumption that vendors or infrastructure providers have already guaranteed system-wide protection.
According to him, this mindset creates vulnerabilities, as effective security depends on coordinated vigilance and accountability from all stakeholders.
“Cybersecurity is no longer optional, it is fundamental to the sustainability of our industry. A unified and coordinated approach to threat detection and response will significantly enhance our ability to protect critical telecom infrastructure,” Lala said.
He further noted that collaboration among operators, regulators, and security agencies is essential to effectively mitigate risks and ensure service continuity. Lala also commended the Federal Government, particularly through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), for establishing a committee dedicated to responding to cyber threats within the sector.
Beyond cybersecurity, discussions at the forum highlighted a pressing structural challenge: power supply. Industry stakeholders called for a state of emergency on power, describing it as a critical enabler for telecom growth.
Reliable electricity remains fundamental to network expansion, service quality, and cost efficiency, with operators continuing to bear the heavy burden of self-generation.
The forum also explored the financial realities facing telecom operators, particularly in light of recent currency devaluation. Participants stressed the need for companies to adopt more robust and transparent business models to attract long-term capital.
The volatility of the naira has made multilateral institutions, including organizations such as the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), more cautious about extending long-term financing to the sector.
To address this, stakeholders pointed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies as a critical lever. Embracing ESG principles was identified as a “winning play” for telecom companies, not only enhancing brand credibility but also improving access to green funds and attracting foreign investment increasingly tied to sustainability benchmarks.
Jamiu Ijaodola, convener of the Nigeria Telecoms Forum, underscored the importance of collaboration in tackling these multifaceted challenges.
“The telecom sector is at a pivotal point where collaboration is no longer a choice but a necessity. Forums like this provide an opportunity for stakeholders to align priorities, share insights, and collectively build a more secure, resilient, and future-ready digital ecosystem for Nigeria,” he said.
In addition, discussions reinforced the need for an enabling regulatory environment that supports infrastructure investment, innovation, and long-term sector stability, in alignment with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation goals.
ipNX reaffirmed its commitment to driving industry collaboration and advocating for policies that support sustainable growth.
With stronger partnerships between operators, investors, and government institutions, and urgent attention to power, capital access, and cybersecurity, Nigeria’s telecom sector is well-positioned to achieve greater resilience, improved service delivery, and expanded digital access nationwide.
