The cost of living is still really high, and the business environment keeps changing unexpectedly.

The latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that headline inflation stood at 15.69%, while the economy grew by 3.89% in the first quarter of 2026. 

At the same time, digital payments expanded at record levels, with consumers and businesses embracing technology-driven transactions more than ever. 

Broadband penetration has also grown above 48%, bringing more Nigerians into the digital economy.

However, while economic reforms have improved some key indicators, many Nigerians are no longer dependent on a single salary or source of income. 

Across cities and rural communities, people are combining traditional businesses with digital opportunities, creating multiple streams of earnings to protect themselves from economic lashes.

Rather than waiting for better jobs or higher wages, individuals are building side businesses, offering services online, investing in productive sectors and targeting customers far beyond their immediate communities.

Here are some of the ways Nigerians are growing their income in 2026.

1. Freelancing and Remote Digital Services

One of the biggest changes in the labour market is the growth of remote work.

Software developers, designers, writers, marketers, virtual assistants and data analysts are working for clients outside Nigeria even more these days. 

For many, earning in foreign currencies provides a level of income stability that local opportunities find it difficult to match.

The attraction goes beyond higher pay, because remote work provides flexibility, access to global markets and opportunities to build specialised skills. 

With businesses around the world continuously hiring talent regardless of location, Nigerians with in-demand skills are finding new opportunities in international markets.

The sector is also creating ripple effects. Many freelancers eventually launch agencies, hire other professionals and develop training programmes that generate additional income.

2. Building Businesses Around Professional Skills

A number of Nigerians are discovering that expertise can be turned into a business.

Rather than relying solely on salaries, professionals are packaging their knowledge into consulting services, training programmes, workshops and advisory businesses.

While accountants now offer financial planning services to small businesses, lawyers are creating specialised compliance practices, marketing professionals are helping businesses improve online visibility and human resource experts are advising growing companies on recruitment and workplace management.

The trend tells us there is a switch towards knowledge-based businesses, and in many cases, the cost of starting such is relatively low compared to traditional businesses that require significant capital investment.

3. E-Commerce and Social Commerce

Selling products online has become far more sophisticated than simply opening a website.

Today, many entrepreneurs use social media platforms, messaging applications and digital payment channels to connect directly with customers.

Fashion items, beauty products, food, household goods and accessories are among the most popular categories.

The growth of digital payments has made the process easier. Electronic payment transactions in Nigeria surged in 2025 because the country moved towards a more cashless economy.

For small businesses, this means better market access and lower barriers to entry.

A seller in Aba, Kano or Akure can now reach customers in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt without maintaining expensive physical outlets.

4. The Rise of Content Creation and Personal Brands

The creator economy is expanding every day. But then, the most successful creators are the ones building audiences around expertise, education and professional insight, not just focusing on viral content. 

Technology analysts, financial educators, career coaches, business consultants and specialists in the industry are monetising their knowledge.

Income comes from multiple sources, including advertising revenue, sponsorships, consulting services, speaking engagements, paid communities and digital products.

This approach allows creators to reduce dependence on a single source of earnings while building long-term credibility.

5. Agribusiness Beyond Farming

Agriculture is one of Nigeria’s largest economic sectors, but many of today’s opportunities extend well beyond crop cultivation.

Food processing, poultry production, fish farming, storage services, logistics, packaging and produce aggregation are attracting growing interest from entrepreneurs.

The country’s large population is driving demand for food products, and creating opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

Some entrepreneurs are focusing on processing and packaging, where margins can be higher than primary production. Others are using technology to connect farmers directly with buyers, reducing inefficiencies in the supply chain.

We can say food security is a national priority, and agribusiness will likely remain an important source of income growth.

6. Export-Oriented Businesses

More Nigerians are exploring opportunities beyond the domestic market.

Agricultural products such as cocoa, sesame and ginger always attract international demand. At the same time, service exports are growing through software development, design, consulting and other digital services.

Export-focused businesses provide an important advantage, generating foreign currency earnings.

For entrepreneurs operating in an economy where exchange rate movements can highly affect purchasing power, access to international markets provides additional resilience.

7. Small Manufacturing and Local Production

Economic challenges have encouraged more interest in local production.

Businesses involved in furniture making, cosmetics, food processing, clothing production and household products are finding opportunities as consumers seek alternatives to imported goods.

Many entrepreneurs are also responding to supply chain disruptions by sourcing more materials locally.

Although there are still challenges, including access to finance and infrastructure limitations, local manufacturing is highly viewed as a necessary path to business growth.

8. Financial Investments and Wealth Building

Income growth is not only about earning more but also preserving and growing wealth.

Digital investment platforms have made financial products more accessible to ordinary Nigerians.

Treasury bills, mutual funds, fixed-income instruments and equities are attracting more interest from individuals looking to build long-term financial security.

Financial experts caution that investments carry risks and should be approached carefully. Nevertheless, greater access to financial products is helping more Nigerians participate in wealth-building opportunities that were previously limited to a smaller segment of the population.

9. Real Estate and Short-Term Rentals

Real estate is an important source of income, although participation is changing.

Rather than focusing solely on property ownership, many entrepreneurs are entering related services such as property management, facility maintenance and short-term rental operations.

Urbanisation creates housing demand at a greater pace, particularly in cities.

The emergence of flexible accommodation models such as shortlets, has also created opportunities for operators who may not necessarily own the properties they manage.

Industries to Watch

It is worthy of note that several sectors are attracting attention from entrepreneurs and investors.

• Technology-enabled financial services expand as digital transactions increase.
• Renewable energy is gaining importance as businesses seek alternatives to unreliable power supply.
• Health technology is attracting interest as healthcare providers adopt digital solutions.
• Educational technology increases in relevance as demand grows for flexible learning options.
• Logistics, digital media and agricultural technology are also emerging as areas with strong long-term potential.

What the Bigger Picture Shows

Nigerians are now willing to diversify far more than before. The traditional model of relying on one job or one source of income is gradually giving way to a more flexible approach. 

People are combining employment with entrepreneurship, investments with professional services, and local opportunities with global markets.

This may ultimately become one of the most significant economic developments of this decade.

So far in 2026, growing your income in Nigeria is driven by adaptability, and the greatest opportunities are usually not the people working more hours, but those finding smarter ways to connect skills, technology and market demand.

The ability to adapt might just be the most valuable asset of all.

This was revealed on Tuesday at the launch of Bolt’s flagship Gig Economy Report, conducted in partnership with Ipsos, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The report was launched at a time when more than 92% of employed Nigerians work in the informal sector, focusing more on flexible, platform-based jobs.

Covering Nigeria and four other African markets, the report shows that gig work has gone beyond a side option to a main source of income.

Ride-hailing alone accounts for 24% of participation, second only to e-commerce, and nearly 6 in 10 workers remain active for over a year, pointing to sustained reliance rather than short-term engagement.

Speaking at the event, Teddy Appa-Dankyi, senior general manager for West Africa, Bolt, said, “Flexible earning opportunities  are becoming an essential part of how many Nigerians earn today. This report shows that ride-hailing is not just about mobility, it is helping people diversify income, manage financial uncertainty, and participate more actively in the digital economy.” 

From the presentation, the data show a labour market under stress but adapting quickly. Nigeria’s workforce has grown commendably, but formal jobs have not kept pace.

Youth unemployment is higher than the national average, pushing younger people toward gig work as a practical alternative.

The report notes that platforms provide low barriers to entry, allowing workers to start earning quickly, usually within days. For many, that speed is highly important as it fills gaps left by the formal economy.

“I like that I can earn daily, it feels good not depending on someone else’s schedule,” one driver said during the study.

At the policy level, government representatives acknowledged the sector’s indispensable role, describing ride-hailing as “a defining pillar” of the state’s transport system, adding that it is “creating jobs for thousands of drivers and offering mobility to millions of Nigerians.” 

Nonetheless, the event stressed that growth must be matched with regulation, pointing to ongoing initiatives around driver accreditation, vehicle inspection, and digital monitoring systems.

Beyond access to income, the report spotlights changes in living standards, with 64% of respondents saying their standard of living improved significantly, while another 31% reported slight improvement after joining gig platforms.

The report also shows how the gig economy is feeding into financial inclusion. More than 85% of ride-hailing transactions are now cashless, giving drivers access to banking records, loans, and digital financial tools.

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, head of Regulatory and Policy for Bolt Africa, said, “As flexible earning opportunities become more common across Africa, there is an opportunity for policymakers, platforms and stakeholders to work together to ensure the gig economy continues to expand access to opportunity while remaining sustainable and inclusive.” 

Still, the report flags some gaps. Participation is heavily male-dominated, with 96% of ride-hailing workers men and just 4% women, highlighting a major inclusion challenge.

There are also issues around costs, with drivers speaking about expensive fuel prices and the pressure to stay profitable, even as platforms introduced fare adjustments and incentive schemes to cushion the impact.

At the Bolt flagship Gig Economy Report launch, the panel session, moderated by communications executive Edafe Onoriode, included speakers who agreed that the gig economy is no longer emerging as it is already impacting how Nigerians live and work.

“The gig economy is no longer the future of work, it is a present reality,” she said.

Gig work is acting as a shock absorber in Nigeria’s economy, taking in workers the formal system cannot absorb, and giving them a way to earn, however uneven that income may be.

In a statement on Tuesday, the commission said it endorsed the “Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy”, a document coordinated by the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group of the Global Privacy Assembly.

The statement highlights concerns over tools that can create realistic images and videos of identifiable people. Regulators say such tools are being misused to produce non-consensual images, defamatory materials and other harmful content. Children and other vulnerable groups face the greatest risk.

According to the NDPC, the initiative with data authorities urges organisations to put safeguards in place before deploying such systems. It also asks companies to be transparent about how their tools work, set up effective content removal channels and comply with data protection laws in their countries.

AI tools are now widely accessible, and in many cases, they can generate images that look real within seconds. When those images feature real people, the privacy impact is immediate.

The commission said its participation reveals Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible use of artificial intelligence, referring to steps already taken at home, including work on a national policy framework.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, previously led the development of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy.

In addition, the NDPC issued its General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), which requires data controllers and processors to embed privacy protections into their systems from the design stage.

The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has now directed that Compliance Audit Returns under the Nigeria Data Protection Act will be used to assess how major data controllers and processors apply AI in their operations.

The commission said the audit process will serve as a benchmark for monitoring responsible data processing practices, especially where AI tools are involved.

But then, here we are. The sector’s contribution to the economy is so massive that ignoring it would be like pretending petrol isn’t essential to your car just because the tank is full.

It grew at a real rate of 5.78% in Q3 2025 and accounted for roughly 9.1% of GDP, proving that even in a country notorious for regulatory tangles and infrastructural challenges, telecoms are the backbone of modern Nigeria.

But don’t be deceived by these figures, there’s still a world of congestion, fibre cuts, high expenses, and millions of frustrated subscribers tapping the screen for just one uninterrupted call.

Subscriber Growth and Broadband Penetration: Two Extremes

Active mobile subscriptions hit ~169.3 million in January, growing steadily to 175 million by December, nudging teledensity past 80%, the highest since early 2024. 

We could call this progress since Nigerians are connecting, surfing, streaming, and transacting digitally more than ever. Broadband adoption, too, edged towards 50%, with nearly 49.9% penetration by December 2025, inching closer to the National Broadband Plan’s 70% target.

However, numbers can be deceiving. While urban dwellers bask in fibre-optic speeds and 4G coverage, rural users are fighting with patchy signals and pricey data, nudging us that half the population is still a click away from the digital economy.

Investment, Tariffs, and Infrastructure

Telecom operators collectively poured ~₦824.7 billion into network expansion in H1 2025 alone. Add $1 billion in projected infrastructure investment and the government’s approval of 7,000 new towers, and it looks like Nigeria’s networks are finally meeting up with demand.

Tariff reforms, including a 50 % headroom on pricing, spurred roughly $2 billion in equipment imports, showing serious investor assurance. 

Still, operators battled record operational costs of ~₦5.85 trillion, thanks to energy expenses, multiple taxes, and the notorious Right of Way fees. Growth may be visible on the surface, but the price of keeping the lights, and signals, on is still a big issue.

Technology Deployment: 4G Dominates, 5G Stutters

4G remained king, covering more ground and enabling surges in data consumption. 5G, on the other hand, limped along at ~3.4 % market share, limited by device affordability and limited rollout. 

It’s a classic story where infrastructure exists, purpose exists, but the average Nigerian smartphone wallet does not.

The pledge of next-gen connectivity is there, but the reality is uneven adoption. Even as data usage peaked at 1.15 million terabytes in August, a noteworthy portion of the population is left waiting for the high-speed revolution.

Operator Performance: Leaders, Survivors, and Stragglers

MTN Nigeria retained its crown with ~90.33 million subscribers (~52 % market share). Data revenue surged 69.2 %, while voice grew 40.3 %, enabling MTN to swing from an operating loss in 2024 to a profit in H1 2025. 

The operator also struck a national roaming and spectrum sharing agreement with 9mobile to ease coverage gaps.

Airtel Nigeria was the second-largest operator, hovering around ~58.47 million subscribers (~34 % market share). Its mobile money platform boosted digital revenue, while strategic tariff adjustments helped maintain steady growth.

Globacom recovered modestly to ~21.39 million subscribers (~12 %), but growth lags behind MTN and Airtel, reflecting lingering regulatory and competitive challenges.

9mobile, the smallest operator in terms of numbers, barely moved the needle at ~3.11 million subscribers (~1.8 %). Its mid-year infrastructure-sharing deal with MTN produced minimal subscriber growth, stressing the uphill battle against market authority and service quality issues.

The Dark Side of 2025: Costs, Complaints, and Inequalities

Despite subscriber growth, users complain of slow internet, frequent signal drops, and service congestion. 

Inflation and naira depreciation pushed tariffs higher, leaving low-income households increasingly excluded. Even with near-50% broadband penetration, rural areas lag badly, sustaining a stubborn digital divide.

Infrastructure vandalism and fibre cuts added to the challenge, while regulatory stress and multiple levies, up to 18-20 taxes per service, kept operators constantly on edge. 

Add delayed privatisation of NATCOM and stalled 5G expansion, and it’s apparent that 2025 was a high-wire balancing act, with massive growth shadowed by operational and structural challenges.

Data Usage and Digital Consumption

Data consumption drove Nigeria’s telecom sector growth in 2025. GSM internet subscribers reached 140.36 million, and monthly traffic peaked at 1.15 million terabytes. 

These trends show a high dependency of Nigeria’s population on mobile internet for work, entertainment, education, and finance. It’s a digital sector expanding speedily, even if unevenly.

Policy and Regulatory Space

The government removed a 5% telecom tax mid-year, though analysts warned it wouldn’t automatically lower prices for consumers. 

NCC’s robust monitoring and reporting framework ensured operators stayed accountable, but the environment remained heavy with compliance requirements. 

Regulatory complexity continues to shape strategic decisions, especially for operators outside the top two.

2025 in Summary: Progress with Strings Attached

• The Good: Subscriber numbers hit record highs, broadband approached 50%, GDP contribution remained strong, and 4G/5G coverage expanded steadily.
• The Bad: High operational expenses, affordability limitations, service quality issues, uneven rural coverage, and slow 5G adoption.
• Operator Reality: MTN tops, Airtel holds steady, Globacom recovers slowly, 9mobile struggles.

Nigeria’s telecom sector in 2025 is a study in contrasts, incredible growth and investment, paired with structural and operational challenges. 

If the past year teaches us anything, it’s that subscriber numbers and GDP contribution are not the entire measure of success. Can expansion be turned into reliable, affordable, and inclusive service? So that the mobile revolution benefits not just the urban elite, but the entire nation.

The National Bureau of Statistics revealed that the sector grew by 21.49% in the third quarter of 2025, a break from the long period of slow growth the industry faced in previous years.

The economy also strengthened as real GDP rose by 3.98% year-on-year, slightly above the 3.86% recorded in Q3 2024. Reports link the improvement to the ongoing GDP rebasing exercise and the policy changes introduced since last year, including the fuel subsidy removal and the liberalised exchange rate.

Services were the country’s main economic engine. The sector accounted for 53.02% of economic output, an increase from 52.93% a year earlier. Telecoms sit within this category and contributed ₦7.47 trillion, showing a rebound as demand for data surged and tariff adjustments took effect.

Driving the growth, operators expanded their customer base, with Nigeria’s mobile subscriptions climbing past 220 million in 2025. MTN led the market with 87.5 million users, representing 51.7% share, while Airtel followed with 57.6 million subscribers and 34.1% share.

Investment has also picked up. Operators have been pushing more fibre into cities and preparing for wider 5G rollout. From what I’ve seen, this has helped steady the industry at a time when many sectors are struggling with rising costs and tight consumer spending.

The growth fed directly into company earnings. MTN and Airtel jointly reported ₦5.16 trillion in revenue over the first nine months of the year. MTN moved from a ₦514.9 billion loss to a ₦750.2 billion profit, while Airtel posted $376 million in profit after recording foreign-exchange gains.

Stronger profits mean higher tax obligations, which could provide a timely increase to federal revenue in 2025. This aligns with the outlook shared earlier by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who said the digital economy could generate $18.3 billion by 2026. “The digital economy could generate up to $18.3 billion by 2026,” he said.

Beyond Nigeria’s telecom sector itself, the new data point to a structural change in the economy. The non-oil sector now accounts for more than 96% of national output, underlining Nigeria’s gradual move away from crude oil dependence. 

Telecoms, with their expanding subscriber base and more investment, are becoming one of the pillars of this transition.

Telecoms are no longer just a supporting segment. They are helping build the country’s economic direction, driving growth, improving tax revenue prospects, and building the backbone for the digital economy Nigeria wants to scale by 2030.

Over the years, the summit has established itself as Ogun State’s foremost technology and innovation gathering, attracting thousands of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders eager to explore the latest digital trends and opportunities shaping Nigeria’s economic future.

Since its inception in 2020, Ogun Digital Summit has grown into a key platform driving digital transformation in Ogun State.  

In previous editions, the summit has hosted over 7,000 youths with industry leaders from both public and private sectors. 

Some past speakers include Engr. Noimot Salako, Deputy Governor of Ogun State; Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA; Joshua Chibueze, Co-founder of Piggyvest; Mayowa Kuyoro, Partner at McKinsey West Africa; and Joel Ogunsola, Co-founder of Tech4Dev, among other key figures in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

The 2025 edition promises a dynamic lineup of world-class speakers, founders, industry leaders, and game-changers who will share their insights and experiences with the over 3,000 attendees expected. 

Confirmed speakers include Abideen Yusuf, Managing Director of Microsoft (Nigeria and Ghana); Seye Bandele, Co-founder of PaidHR; alongside other innovators driving growth in Nigeria’s technology space.

Ogun Digital Summit is organised by Grazac, the leading technology innovation hub in Ogun State in partnership with Ogun State Government through the Bureau of Information Technology. 

Other partners include Prooval, Busha, Faztorder and LandXpress. It is also supported by media partners like Ogun State Television, TechCabal, TechEconomy, Techparley and Legit.ng. 

Ogun State is home to the highest number of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, making it a fertile ground for tech talent and innovation and the summit serves as a catalyst for harnessing this potential by bridging the gap between young innovators and global opportunities.

“This year, beyond engaging in high-quality conversations on building startups in the era of AI, the future of work, impact of blockchain and Web3, Startup Investment, Agrictech for building sustainable economy and the role of policy and governance in driving ecosystem growth, we’ll also be showcasing new innovations emerging from the ecosystem and connecting them with investors,” said Victor Adeleye, the Convener.

Registration for the Ogun Digital Summit 2025 is now open, and stakeholders are encouraged to secure their spot early.

For more information and registration, visit the website.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), this escalation was driven by inflation, exchange rate volatility, growing costs of energy, and above all, inconsistent Right of Way (RoW) fees that continually chokes network expansion across states.

“Most Licensees complained of high Right of Way (RoW) fees, harsh microeconomic operating employment and rising inflation. However, the NCC has been able to secure zero Right of Way (RoW) fees in some States in Year 2024,” the Commission stated in its 2024 industry report.

Uneven Fees, Unequal Access

Despite the Governors Forum’s 2020 resolution setting RoW charges at ₦145 per linear metre, some states have ignored the guideline. Operators disclosed that Ogun State now demands ₦9,477 per metre, the highest nationwide, followed by Lagos (₦6,264) and Oyo (₦5,303).

Others, including Cross River (₦4,737), Rivers (₦4,047), Edo (₦3,491), and Ondo (₦3,075), have also imposed heavy levies. The disparity has slowed broadband rollout, forcing firms to revise deployment plans or suspend network projects entirely.

However, there’s progress. Eleven states have now eliminated RoW fees, according to Dr Aminu Maida, the NCC’s executive vice chairman. “One of the most significant barriers to broadband deployment in Nigeria has been the high RoW fees charged by state governments, despite a resolution by the Nigerian Governors Forum fixing the rate at N145 per linear metre,” he said.

The Commission confirmed that Adamawa, Bauchi, Enugu, Benue, Zamfara, Anambra, Katsina, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Osun, and Plateau have all adopted zero-cost policies to support broadband rollout.

Broadband Goals Falter

The government’s vision to achieve 70% broadband penetration by 2025 is now clearly out of reach. Data from the NCC shows that as of September 2025, penetration stood at 49.3%, well below target.

Experts say the shortfall is financial, not just technical. Each kilometre of fibre delayed by high state fees represents a lost opportunity to extend digital inclusion.

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), said unresolved structural issues are a drag on progress. He pointed to multiple taxation, hidden levies, and high RoW costs as contributing challenges.

He also noted that while some states have waived fees, they continue to impose “education taxes” and “highway levies” under different names, eroding the benefits of those waivers.

High Investment, Shrinking Margins

The NCC report revealed that capital expenditure by telecom operators surged 159% to ₦2.9 trillion in 2024, up from ₦1.12 trillion the previous year. The increase, the Commission said, reveals both aggressive investment in network upgrades and the inflationary impact of the naira’s sharp depreciation following the Central Bank’s exchange rate unification policy.

Telecom companies have spent heavily on 5G rollout, fibre expansion, and network modernisation. Yet, much of that spending has been absorbed by currency losses and rising import costs for equipment.

While revenues climbed 44.7% to ₦7.67 trillion, the profits have barely offset the inflationary and fiscal pressures facing operators, as Nigeria’s telecom costs continually surge.

Tariff Hike Brings Temporary Relief

To ease the burden, the NCC in January 2025 approved a 50% tariff increase for telecom services, a controversial but necessary step, according to industry analysts. The revision allowed major operators, including MTN and Airtel, to return to profitability after reporting significant losses in 2024.

However, the higher tariffs have also limited consumers, particularly low-income users, prompting warnings from advocacy groups about potential digital exclusion in rural and underserved communities.

Policy Flashpoint and the Road Ahead

With telecoms contributing 16.1% to Nigeria’s GDP in Q2 2025, the sector has become the second-largest non-oil contributor to the economy. But then, the persistence of uneven RoW charges has turned the issue into a national policy flashpoint.

Stakeholders are now urging federal intervention to harmonise fees nationwide, arguing that broadband rollout, essential for education, finance, and digital commerce, should not depend on a state’s internal revenue strategy.

For Nigeria’s competitive edge to remain, policymakers must choose between short-term state revenue and long-term national connectivity, ensuring telecom costs are reduced. The choice, as the numbers show, can no longer be delayed.

Held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, on Wednesday, October 22, the event convened leading voices from government, telecommunications, power, and technology sectors to discuss solutions for expanding digital access to unserved and underserved communities across Nigeria.

The Summit, themed “Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide: Accelerating Rural Connectivity Through Collaboration,” was organised by Business Metrics in partnership with stakeholders across the industry.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), noted that the real measure of connectivity lies in its economic impact rather than technical metrics.

“The accurate measure of connectivity is not in megabits per second, but in economic value it creates or loses,” Maida said.

He noted that despite progress since 2001, millions of Nigerians are still digitally invisible, unable to access reliable broadband, mobile, or data services that now define inclusion in the modern economy.

In his address, Engr Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), drew attention to the underlying infrastructure gaps that hinder connectivity.

“80 million Nigerians do not have access to reliable electricity,” he stated, warning that without addressing energy poverty, telecom expansion will continue to face obstacles.

Adebayo further stressed that connectivity must be pursued as a people-centred mission.

“48 million Nigerians do not have access to toilets,” he said. “When we talk about inclusion, it’s not just digital; it’s about dignity.”

The President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Emoekpere, called for urgent transition from dialogue to execution.

“We need to move away from talk shops into actions,” he stated. “This Summit should not end with resolutions; it must produce measurable results.”

Speakers from across the ecosystem, including the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), highlighted ongoing collaborations with NCC to power rural telecom sites using renewable energy mini-grids. 

This partnership aims to reduce costs and improve sustainability by pairing electricity access with digital connectivity.

Dr Tola Yusuf, chief executive officer of Infratel Africa, linked infrastructure to development outcomes.

“The backbone of rural prosperity is digital connectivity, but the backbone of connectivity is the right incentive structure,” he said, calling for fiscal incentives, public-private partnerships, and community-led models.

Dr Olusola Teniola, former ATCON President and executive director at ipNX, reiterated the urgency of implementation.

“It does remain a talk shop, and I’m tired of talk shops nowadays. We need action,” he said.

The Summit’s panel sessions explored multiple dimensions of the challenge and produced several key insights:

The first panel, focused on Mainstreaming Edge Infrastructure for Accelerated Inclusion.

Moderated by Chidi Ajuzie, group COO, Western Telecoms & Engineering (WTES) Limited, panellists included Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO, Open Access Data Centre (OADC); Wole Abu, MD, Equinix West Africa (MainOne); Dr. Krish Ranganath, regional executive (West Africa), Africa Data Centres and Goke Juba, associate director, Fibre Operations, IHS Nigeria.

Key insights included:

• Expansion of edge data infrastructure beyond Lagos and Abuja is essential to reduce latency and improve local content delivery.
• Power, security, and connectivity must be addressed together to ensure site viability.
• Collaboration between operators and data-centre providers will drive faster deployment in rural areas.

The second session,  focused on Infrastructure Sharing & Collaboration as Key Pillars of Bridging Digital Divide, was moderated by Louisa Olaniyi, the compere. 

The panellists included Tony Emoekpere, president, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON); Dr Tola Yusuf, co-founder, Infratel Africa; Segun Okuneye, Divisional CEO, ipNX Nigeria Limited; Onemeguke Azubuike Lucky, senior analyst, Natcom Development and Investment Limited (ntel); Olumide Idowu, group chief technology & information officer, Alphabeta LLC; John Nwachukwu, chief strategy & executive officer, Zoracom; and Dr Isa Usman, associate director, Network Operations, GICL.

Key insights included:

• Shared infrastructure remains the most cost-effective path to rural expansion.
• Spectrum access, harmonised right-of-way policies, and targeted subsidies are needed to attract investors.
• Result-based financing and community-owned networks can complement traditional operator models.

Omobayo Azeez, convener and lead of the Rural Connectivity Initiative, emphasised the need for continued movement.

“Let this gathering be remembered as the moment we all come together to move from talk to action, from plans to progress, and from intent to real impact,” he said.

The Rural Connectivity Summit will become an annual platform for dialogue, accountability, and innovation, bringing together regulators, operators, development agencies, and community leaders to drive universal connectivity and digital inclusion across Nigeria.

The newly elected representatives, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (South West), Charles Uchenna Emembolu (South East), Abba Ibrahim Gamawa (North East), and Victoria Ojoagefu Manya (North Central), will bring the perspectives of founders, innovators, and digital entrepreneurs directly into policy discussions that shape the country’s startup sector.

The election, coordinated by the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) under the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), followed a transparent nomination and voting process involving members of the Startup Consultative Forum from all six geopolitical zones. 

The Forum was inaugurated earlier in 2025 to ensure that the startup ecosystem had a voice in government-led innovation policymaking.

The NCDIE, created under the Nigeria Startup Act, serves as the main governance body responsible for driving the country’s innovation and entrepreneurship agenda. It brings together representatives from the private sector, government, academia, and investors to oversee and coordinate the Act’s implementation. 

For the first time, elected startup founders are joining the NCDIE Council, revealing a goal to boost inclusive governance and stronger collaboration between policymakers and the innovation community.

This development is seen as an important milestone in bridging the gap between Nigeria’s startup sector and government institutions. With direct representation, founders can now contribute meaningfully to conversations around policy design, funding structures, and innovation support frameworks. 

It also reflects the government’s commitment to engage the private sector in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.

According to NITDA, the inclusion of startup representatives “underscores the commitment of ONDI and NITDA to strengthening collaboration among government, innovators, and industry stakeholders.” The agency reaffirmed its resolve to “build a thriving digital economy, nurture startups, and foster the type of collaboration that ensures innovation becomes a cornerstone of national development.”

The new Council is expected to effectively integrate startup perspectives into national strategies and ensure the collaboration influences long-term growth in the tech sector. 

The election has already been commended by experts as a positive indication that Nigeria’s innovation policy is beginning to reflect the voices of those driving real change from the ground up.

Cameras, lighting, microphones, and tripods are usually way more expensive than the pocket of young Nigerian creators. However, a shift is happening. 

Online marketplaces are making once-expensive gear more affordable, and in doing so, they are changing the ambitions of a new wave of Nigerian talent.

Funmi, an upcoming creator with big plans, knows this story first-hand. For months, she researched microphones and lighting kits, only to conclude that her dreams might remain stuck at the idea stage. 

That changed when she stumbled across Temu, a platform she initially explored out of curiosity after hearing about its free item offers. What she found was beyond discounts, she found access.

When her package finally arrived, it contained everything she needed to begin. A wireless microphone for crisp audio, a bright LED light to eliminate shadows, and a tripod strong enough to hold her phone steady. Each piece was affordable, but together, they represented a turning point.

“Be expecting more from me,” Funmi said with excitement. “Now that I have a microphone, I can’t wait to start creating content! To more content creation and growth!”

The microphone was her first trial. It transformed her recordings, making every word clear and impactful. With the tripod and lighting set to lift her visuals, she could finally focus on ideas rather than technical limitations. What was once a financial wall became a doorway.

This same pattern is playing out across Nigeria’s creator sector. Luxebygech, a clothing vendor in Lagos, faced customer complaints about unclear videos. Instead of scaling back, she turned to Temu and found her fix in a wireless microphone. 

The results were immediate. “Now I will be more audible,” she said, a simple but important change for her online business.

It isn’t just about single purchases. Data shows that affordability is driving loyalty. According to an IPSOS survey, 80% of respondents worldwide believe Temu delivers value for money, reporting average savings of 24%. More than half of the surveyed users said they would recommend the platform to others.

For Nigerian creators, these statistics carry personal weight. Access to affordable tools is more than convenience; it’s a leveller. It means that with grit and creativity, one does not need a huge budget to compete. It means that a fashion vendor or a young storyteller can transform passion into polished work and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global peers.

Nigeria’s creative economy has never lacked ambition or talent. What it lacked was accessibility to the tools that turn passion into professional output. Now, with platforms like Temu bridging that gap, the future belongs to creators who can dream big while spending small.