The operators, under the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), said much of the money currently funding network expansion and infrastructure development comes from domestic financing, reinvested earnings and other funding channels that are not fully captured by the National Bureau of Statistics’ capital importation framework.

The reaction follows the release of the NBS Capital Importation Report for the first quarter of 2026, which showed that foreign capital inflows into telecommunications dropped from $80.78 million a year earlier to $7.24 million.

According to the report, telecoms accounted for just 0.07% of the $10.37 billion that entered the Nigerian economy during the quarter.

ALTON said the figure presents only part of the investment picture.

“…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,” the association said.

The group noted that mobile network operators, tower companies and other telecom firms invested about N2.13 trillion in capital projects in 2025. It added that planned capital expenditure for 2026 currently stands at N1.86 trillion.

According to ALTON, the funds are being directed towards network expansion, infrastructure upgrades, technology improvements and measures aimed at strengthening operational resilience.

The association argued that the wide gap between reported foreign inflows and actual spending within the industry points to shortcomings in the current method used to track investments.

To address this, it called for collaboration between the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Bureau of Statistics and the Central Bank of Nigeria to develop a comprehensive framework for measuring investment in the telecom sector.

“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,” the association stated.

Despite pressure from inflation, high costs of operations and foreign exchange challenges, ALTON said operators have always invested heavily to maintain service quality and expand connectivity across the country.

The association also credited the Federal Government’s approval of a 50% tariff increase in 2025 with improving operators’ ability to reinvest in their networks.

“The timely intervention enabled operators to transition from financial distress to a sustainable, growth-focused model characterised by significant capital reinvestment,” it said.

While telecom operators questioned the reported investment figure, the NBS data showed that foreign investors significantly increased their exposure to Nigeria during the quarter.

Total capital importation rose to $10.37 billion in Q1 2026, representing an 83.8% increase from $5.64 billion recorded in the same period last year. Compared with the previous quarter, inflows climbed by nearly 61%.

However, most of the money flowed into short-term financial assets rather than long-term productive investments.

Portfolio investments accounted for $9.86 billion, or about 95% of total inflows, while foreign direct investment stood at just $135 million. Other investments, including loans and trade credits, contributed $374.5 million.

The banking sector attracted the largest share of foreign capital, receiving $7.55 billion, followed by the financing sector with $2.43 billion. Manufacturing drew $152.3 million, while telecommunications received $7.24 million.

The approval came during a meeting at NITDA headquarters where NiRA’s President, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya led his board members to present the association’s 2026 vision to Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s director general.

Following the approval, both organisations expressed the resolve to reinforce their collaborative efforts to ensure smooth, rapid execution of their shared goals of increasing the adoption of the .ng domain across

To actualise the business plan, the DG directed NiRA to work hand-in-hand with NITDA’s e-Governance and Digital Economy Department for effective implementation, daily updates, and project tracking.

“You have my full approval for these initiatives. Let us change our strategy, sync up more closely, and ensure everything we have agreed upon during this presentation is fully implemented by next year,” Inuwa declared.

Highlighting some of NiRA’s impressive achievements over the past year, Akinsanya said 98,285 new registrations, 71,470 renewals, and 1,970 restorations were recorded in 2025, while there are 241,000 active .ng domains.

Beyond the numbers, NiRA also implemented important security upgrades, including the Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC), for a more secure and resilient internet experience for local users, as well as improvements in registrar support and engagement.

Looking into the future, Akinsanya said NiRA is intensifying action to make .ng and .gov.ng domains the gold standard across the country.

He expressed gratitude for NITDA’s ongoing support, calling for joint awareness campaigns and digital capacity-building to bring more state governments, local councils, and public institutions under the secure official domain.

Also, the NiRA president added that the association is updating its internal systems, introducing automation, and revising its constitution to meet globally acceptable standards to ensure sustainable growth.

“NiRA is looking into deeper stakeholder engagement and moving into areas where we see massive possibilities. We are specifically targeting startups and aligning with tech events across the country. With stronger collaboration, we can drive widespread adoption across every tier of government’’, Akinsanya said.

From the spare parts markets of Nnewi to the major trading hubs in Onitsha and Aba, the region built its reputation on hard work, resilience, trade, and grassroots enterprise long before the rise of today’s startup economy.

However, beneath this proud history lies a growing challenge that many people in the region are beginning to notice: South-East Nigeria risks falling behind in the fast-growing digital economy.

Today, the issue is no longer simply about owning smartphones or having internet access. The bigger question is whether a region known for commerce and trade can successfully adapt to a world where business is increasingly driven by technology and the internet.

Across Nigeria, business is changing rapidly. Physical shops are no longer enough on their own. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp have become major marketplaces. Many businesses now depend heavily on digital advertising, online payments, e-commerce, and delivery applications to reach customers.

In cities like Lagos, this digital transformation is already fully underway. Many entrepreneurs now run profitable businesses directly from their smartphones and laptops without relying heavily on physical stores. Marketing is done online, customer service is automated, and digital payments have become part of everyday business operations.

But in many parts of South-East Nigeria, the transition has been slower.

Despite having millions of traders and small business owners, many businesses in the region still lack basic digital tools such as websites, online catalogues, social media visibility, or digital payment systems.

Traditional methods of attracting customers, physical presence, word-of-mouth referrals, and face-to-face bargaining, still dominate commercial activities in many markets.

While this business culture once represented strength and trust, experts now believe it may be becoming a disadvantage in a digital-first economy.

Modern commerce rewards speed, visibility, convenience, and online accessibility. Businesses that cannot be found online are increasingly invisible to younger consumers who now discover products through social media, online searches, and digital recommendations before visiting physical stores.

Recent data released by the National Bureau of Statistics highlights the scale of the challenge. According to the December 2025 figures, the South-East recorded the lowest number of active internet subscribers among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with approximately 15.35 million users.

By comparison, the South-West recorded more than 42 million active internet subscribers, while even the conflict-affected North-East slightly outperformed the South-East in internet penetration.

These figures go beyond telecommunications statistics. In today’s world, internet access is closely linked to economic competitiveness. Regions with stronger internet adoption often experience faster business growth, stronger startup ecosystems, more innovation, and greater participation in global commerce.

For many analysts, the situation in the South-East reflects a deeper cultural challenge. Historically, Igbo business culture has been built around physical interaction, trust networks, direct negotiation, and physical market expansion across Nigeria and West Africa.

However, the internet economy operates differently. Online visibility now matters more than physical location. Algorithms influence customer reach. Businesses compete not only with local traders but also with global brands accessible through smartphones.

This means entrepreneurs who understand digital marketing, online branding, logistics integration, and e-commerce systems now hold a major advantage.

Some younger professionals and technology analysts argue that parts of the South-East business community remain skeptical about online commerce and digital marketing. In some cases, older business owners still prefer traditional sales methods and see social media advertising or internet-based transactions as unreliable.

But consumer behaviour has changed significantly, especially among younger Nigerians. Today’s customers often discover products through Instagram videos, TikTok clips, Facebook ads, WhatsApp updates, and online reviews. Convenience, branding, and digital presence increasingly shape purchasing decisions.

Meanwhile, technology-driven cities like Lagos are moving even further ahead with the adoption of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech integration, automated customer support, and data-driven business systems.

Although some young entrepreneurs in cities such as Aba and Enugu are embracing innovation, many analysts believe the region’s overall digital transformation remains too slow compared to developments elsewhere in the country.

Importantly, this issue cannot be blamed entirely on poor infrastructure or government failures. While electricity challenges, weak broadband infrastructure, and limited institutional support remain serious problems, many experts believe mindset and cultural attitudes also play a major role.

Technology adoption requires behavioural change. Businesses must rethink how they attract customers, build trust, market products, and compete in a digital economy. This includes investing in digital skills, online branding, content creation, and e-commerce systems.

The stakes are high.

The global economy is increasingly being shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, big data, and internet-driven commerce. Regions that fail to adapt risk losing economic relevance regardless of their past commercial success.

For South-East Nigeria, this is more than a technology issue. It is a defining economic moment.

The region can modernise its strong entrepreneurial tradition for the digital age, or risk gradually losing its commercial advantage in a world where business success is increasingly determined by digital adaptability rather than physical market presence alone.

The warning signs are already visible. The real question is whether the region is ready to respond before the gap widens further.

*Anthony Emeka Nwosu is a media practitioner based in Lagos.

It is central to the continent’s future, serving as the most powerful engine to drive inclusive growth, create jobs, and enhance global competitiveness in this era.

It expands access to opportunity beyond geography for Africa’s population, improves productivity across sectors, strengthens public service delivery, and enables countries to leapfrog legacy constraints rather than replicate them.

In effect, the digital economy is no longer a standalone sector, it is the foundation upon which Africa’s economic resilience, regional integration, and sustained prosperity will be built.

However, fully realising these gains depends not only on private-sector innovation, but critically on the effectiveness and efficiency of the public systems that underpin economic activity.

The analog bottleneck in a digital economy

Across Africa, core economic and administrative processes, from business registration and tax administration to land transactions and licensing, are mediated through government systems.

Yet in many countries, these systems remain manual, paper-based, or only partially digitised, with new technologies layered onto legacy workflows that have not fundamentally evolved.

The result is that digitisation, absent deeper institutional reform, risks reinforcing the very inefficiencies it seeks to resolve.

Fragmented platforms, inconsistent data standards, and limited interoperability across agencies introduce friction across the economy, slowing business activity, increasing transaction costs, and undermining trust in public institutions.

This underscores a central reality: digital government is fundamentally a governance challenge, not a technology one. Progress depends on strong institutional capacity, anchored in change management, cybersecurity, sound platform architecture, and sustained public sector ownership.

Where this foundation is constrained, digital programmes often produce ineffective outcomes: systems misaligned with current realities, dependency on fragmented solutions, and platforms that fail to endure beyond initial implementation.

Unlocking potential through digitization

Nigeria has demonstrated strong potential to emerge as a leading digital economy on the continent, underpinned by over 154 million internet users and a dynamic innovation ecosystem.

It has been reported that Artificial Intelligence alone is projected to deliver up to $136 billion in productivity gains across four major African markets by 2030, with Nigeria accounting for approximately 43 percent of this value.

This trajectory is reinforced by a resilient startup ecosystem that continues to attract significant capital, securing $410 million in 2024, representing 18.6 percent of Africa’s total funding, and exceeding $555 million in 2025, most significantly in fintech and digital service delivery.

Sustaining this momentum depends on the strength of public‑sector infrastructure. Nigeria has taken a decisive step forward with the introduction of the National Digital Economy and E‑Governance Bill, 2024, establishing the foundation for a more coherent and future‑ready digital ecosystem.

This legislation seeks to establish a unified legal and institutional framework for digital transformation, institutionalisation of electronic administrative processes, enhanced interoperability across government institutions, while establishing a secure foundation for public-sector data governance.

By embedding digital‑first operations into public administration, these reforms position government as an enabler of economic activity, reducing friction, strengthening transparency, and creating a more efficient, investment‑ready environment in which businesses can innovate and scale.

Global best practice demonstrates possibility

International experience shows that well‑governed public sector digitisation delivers measurable economic and institutional gains.

Estonia offers a leading example, having transformed public administration through the end‑to‑end digitalisation and automation of core government processes.

By building an integrated digital infrastructure, Estonia has created a more responsive public sector, improved citizen satisfaction, and strengthened trust in state institutions.

Today, the country saves an estimated 2 percent of GDP annually through digital signatures and streamlined public services, while integrating artificial intelligence to further enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

India has similarly developed one of the world’s most advanced digital public infrastructures. The country’s information technology sector already contributes approximately 13 percent to the GDP, with projections for the digital economy reaching 20 percent by 2030. Through its Digital Public Infrastructure and India AI Mission, the country is scaling innovation by providing affordable AI compute capacity to entrepreneurs, researchers, and businesses at significantly reduced costs.

These examples underscore a clear lesson: digital public infrastructure must be built as a platform for long‑term transformation.

Success depends on sustained investment in people, institutions, and governance frameworks, not just technology systems.

This ensures that digitisation simplifies the relationship between citizens and the state rather than replicating legacy inefficiencies in digital form.

Public-Private partnerships enable the shift to e‑governance

The E‑Governance Bill establishes the policy foundation for a digitally enabled Nigeria, underpinned by execution partnerships that bring together technology, capability and global best practice.

Microsoft is advancing this transition through targeted investments in skills and building institutional capacity.

Initiatives such as Digital Skills Nigeria, the 3MTT programme, and strategic engagements with the Ministry for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, have been instrumental to the success of reaching over 6 million Nigerians with critical digital and AI skills and certifying over 150k to date.

Beyond skills, Microsoft is advancing the adoption of secure, scalable cloud infrastructure and interoperable digital platforms that underpin next-generation e-government systems. Through Microsoft Azure and its suite of AI-powered services, governments and startups are enabled to unlock the full value of data, driving more agile, inclusive, and citizen-centric public service delivery.

This is complemented by enterprise-grade security capabilities and a principled approach to Responsible AI, grounded in transparency, accountability, and governance frameworks that help build trust, strengthen resilience, and support the long-term sustainability of digital public services.

Ultimately, public sector digitisation is not a technology challenge alone; it is a leadership, governance and capability imperative enabled by technology.

Embedding digital‑first principles across public administration reduces economic friction, expands inclusion and positions Nigeria as a regional leader in Africa’s digital transformation journey.

Both companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Credit Direct’s headquarters in Lagos. 

The agreement allows customers to pay 20% of a vivo smartphone’s price upfront, then spread the remaining balance over six months. Credit Direct will provide the financing.

The two firms say the plan targets a long-standing issue in the Nigerian market, where people want smartphones, but many cannot afford to pay in full at once.

Nigeria has about 120 million smartphone users. Still, a large share of the population lacks access to a device. With more than 40% of Nigerians still not using smartphones, the cost is the limitation.

Under the partnership, customers will also be able to access vivo devices through more than 600 retail stores across 25 states. Both companies are targeting sales of over 200,000 devices in the first year.

Credit Direct, a subsidiary of FCMB Group Plc, said the arrangement fits into its consumer lending model, which focuses on extending credit to people outside traditional banking systems.

The company’s managing director and chief executive, Chukwuma Nwanze, said the partnership brings together financing and mobile technology in a practical way.

“Nigeria has millions of smartphone users, but the gap between those who are connected and those who are not remains wide, and the primary reason for that gap is access to capital. This partnership addresses that directly,” he said.

“vivo has built a strong mobile product over the years, and Credit Direct has been providing financing to people who have been shut out of the formal financial system for years. What this partnership does is bring those two realities together. People who need smartphones but cannot afford to buy one outright can now do so through a payment plan that does not strain their monthly income.”

He further stated that the mission has always been to make financial solutions a universal opportunity, and this is exactly what this looks like. “I am genuinely excited about what we can achieve together.” Chukwuma Nwanze, MD/CEO, Credit Direct said.

vivo Nigeria said the agreement strengthens its goal to expand access in a highly competitive market.

“We chose Credit Direct because they are the clear leaders in consumer financing in Nigeria, and they operate with a level of professionalism that gave us confidence. Instalment-based device purchasing was something we had explored before, but it did not come together at the time. 

“With Credit Direct’s backing and infrastructure, we are confident this will be different. This is a partnership we believe in.” Toni Liu, CEO, vivo Nigeria.

Nigeria’s smartphone financing space has been growing as device prices become more expensive for many buyers. Similar models have appeared across the industry, including initiatives linked to Transsion brands such as Tecno and Infinix, as well as Samsung Nigeria, which works with financial institutions to offer instalment payments.

Analysts say these financing options are becoming more important as mobile internet use expands. Nigeria’s digital economy was valued at about $18 billion in 2025, and access to affordable devices is seen as paramount to further growth in e-commerce, fintech, and online services.

Market observers also expect instalment-based purchases to bring millions of new users into the smartphone ecosystem over the next few years, as companies compete to reduce the upfront cost barrier.

Seeking to enhance trust, adoption and ensure money circulates within the country rather than being lost to foreign platforms, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) confirmed it has deployed DNSSEC across the .ng domain, meaning the country’s internet addresses can now be verified and protected against cyber attacks.

At the unveiling, Adesola Akinsanya, NiRA president, said the move is meant to stop attackers from redirecting users to fake websites, a growing risk as more services move online.

“The successful deployment and unveiling of DNSSEC on the ng domain represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s internet ecosystem,” the President said.

Described as a long-awaited fix to a weak point in Nigeria’s digital system, DNSSEC provides all round protection. The internet already translates website names into numerical addresses, but it was built on trust. However, that trust can be exploited.

DNSSEC adds a verification layer, confirming that when a user types a .ng website, they are reaching the real destination, not a fake one set up by criminals.

If attackers control a domain’s routing, they can redirect traffic without hacking the website itself. DNSSEC is meant to block that route.

“This achievement did not happen overnight. It is as a result of years of commitment, collaboration and shared vision,” Adebiyi Oladipo, vice chair, ICANN ccNSO said.

The DNSSEC has now been fully signed and is in a monitoring phase, with a gradual rollout planned for registrars and domain owners.

The upgrade puts Nigeria in line with global standards and strengthens trust in local digital services.

Adoption, the bigger problem

The conversation went beyond technology to the issue of Nigerians not using .ng enough. Awareness is low, hence, the media is key to changing that.

Billions still leaving the country

Beyond perception, the economic argument cannot be ignored. NiRA said Nigeria loses billions every year to foreign domain registration and hosting services, as businesses choose .com and host their platforms abroad.

That money, they argued, should stay in the country, especially as local data centres now have the capacity to handle large-scale hosting.

NiRA also confirmed plans to work with organisations like the Corporate Affairs Commission to tie business registration more closely to domain ownership.

What comes next

NiRA is now pushing for adoption, with banks, telecom firms, government agencies and e-commerce platforms being asked to enable DNSSEC and move fully into the .ng space.

“This unveiling is not just about technology; it is about building trust in Nigeria’s digital future,” Oluwaseyi Onasanya, the COO said.

The issue came into focus at a Media Advocacy and Capacity Building Workshop organised by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) in collaboration with the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), where journalists gathered under the theme “The Role of Media in Advancing Nigeria’s Digital Identity.”

In his opening remarks, Adesola Akinsanya, NiRA president, said the engagement aimed to strengthen collaboration with the media on digital identity awareness.

He described the session as a “handshake” between NiRA and journalists, stressing that the partnership is essential to growing Nigeria’s digital presence.

“I would like to begin with a critical question that should frame our engagement today: who truly owns Nigeria’s digital identity? Is it shaped by the platforms we use, the domains we register, or the narratives we amplify?” he said.

“The reality is that digital identity is neither accidental nor passive, it is deliberately constructed, and increasingly, it is contested. In this context, your role as journalists and media professionals becomes not just relevant, but strategic.”

The president encouraged participants to see themselves as active stakeholders in national development, urging a more patriotic approach to digital identity. “We should be seen doing it to be patriotic and to move this country forward.”

Speaking at the session, Adebiyi Oladipo, vice chair, ICANN ccNSO, also a researcher and lecturer said the issue goes beyond technology and shows how Nigeria values its own digital space.

“This is not about NiRA, this is about Nigeria,” he said.

He compared Nigeria with other countries, pointing to wide gaps between population size and the number of registered country-code domains.

China, with over 1.4 billion people, has about 21 million domain names. Germany, with 83.6 million people, has more than 17 million. The Netherlands, with just 18.4 million people, holds about 6.3 million domains.

Nigeria, by contrast, has only about 240,000.

The difference becomes apparent when measured per population. Germany has more than 200 domains per 1,000 people. The Netherlands records over 300. Nigeria stands at less than one.

“I find it really absurd that a country of over 200 million people we are struggling with 240,000 domain names,” Oladipo said.

A stronger economic framing came from Oluwaseyi Onasanya, COO of NiRA, who said the “.ng” domain is not a technical product but a national critical asset tied directly to economic survival and sovereignty.

“.ng is not a technical tool, but a national critical asset. It is the bedrock of a digital economy,” she said.

She warned that every time a Nigerian business chooses a foreign domain, the country loses part of its digital economic value.

“What that means is that we are taking out a significant part of our digital economy offshore,” she said.

Oladipo said Nigeria is failing to treat “.ng” as a national asset. Instead, many businesses prefer foreign domains, especially “.com”.

“When you choose .com, you are pushing the value away from our environment,” he said.

He described domain names as economic assets rather than technical tools, comparing them to land in real estate.

“The domain is not a technical asset. It’s an economic asset, because you can make money from it,” he said.

He added that the opportunity extends across a value chain, from domain registration to website development, digital marketing and online business growth.

Oladipo also addressed perception challenges, noting that many Nigerians wrongly believe local domains are less secure, even though infrastructure matches global standards.

“Everything that exists with .com exists with us,” he said.

He linked the slow adoption to mistrust and poor information, warning that false narratives can shape public opinion.

“There’s a lot of fragility around online credibility,” he said, referring to a recent fake video that falsely claimed an attack in Abuja.

He placed responsibility on the media to correct misinformation and promote local digital identity.

“Nobody is going to tell your story like you,” he said.

Onasanya stressed that the issue is not perception alone but structural economic leakage, explaining that foreign domain use results in capital flight as payments leave the country in foreign currency.

“Every foreign domain is a capital flight,” she said, noting that even small annual fees multiply into significant national losses when scaled across businesses.

Oladipo urged journalists to go beyond reporting startups and fintech, stressing that the domain system is the foundation those industries depend on.

“It’s akin to celebrating the house but ignoring the land,” he said.

He called on media professionals to act as educators, amplifiers and trust builders by explaining digital identity issues, promoting Nigerian platforms and calling out fraud.

He also urged organisations and individuals to adopt “.ng” domains for their platforms.

“For those who are not, switch to .ng,” he said.

Onasanya said policy intervention is critical to improving adoption, urging stronger government intervention through legislation, executive orders, and institutional enforcement.

She proposed that “.ng” should be mandatory for government communication, licensing, and procurement processes, and called for alignment with national identity systems such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Without stronger policy backing, she warned, adoption would remain slow. “Adoption is not luck, it is not by chance, it is driven by policy,” she said.

Despite the gap, Oladipo said the situation is not beyond repair, noting that the digital economy already contributes more than 20% to Nigeria’s GDP and continues to grow.

“There are endless possibilities for us,” he said.

He ended by challenging the media to take the lead in changing perception and driving adoption.

“Will you lead or will you follow?” he asked.

The meeting, hosted by the Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes du Burkina Faso (ARCEP), brought together regulators, technical experts, and stakeholders from across the region under the theme: “Building a Secure, Inclusive, and Resilient Digital Ecosystem for West Africa.”

In his opening and closing remarks, Mr Aliyu Yusuf Aboki, the executive secretary of WATRA, described the meeting as a significant milestone in the organisation’s evolution, marking the transition from dialogue to the delivery of practical regulatory tools.

Aboki is a telecommunications engineer and policy specialist with over two decades of experience across the ICT sector, including work with global telecommunications firms such as Ericsson and MTN in Nigeria and other markets.

He has played an active role in cross-border regulatory coordination, spectrum policy, and digital transformation initiatives, contributing to policy harmonisation efforts across West Africa and representing regional perspectives in international telecommunications and digital economy engagements.

As Executive Secretary of WATRA, he leads the organisation’s strategic engagement with regional and global stakeholders, helping to shape coherent regulatory frameworks and strengthen Africa’s voice in global discussions on digital policy and telecommunications development.

“Nearly two years after the establishment of the Working Groups, we can take pride in the progress achieved. What began as a vision has evolved into a dynamic mechanism for peer learning, coordination, and knowledge exchange,” Aboki said.

Over the course of the meeting, the Working Groups finalised a set of technical reports covering key areas critical to the region’s digital transformation, including 5G deployment, submarine cable resilience, cybersecurity frameworks, consumer protection, and non-geostationary satellite (NGSO) regulation.

Aboki emphasised that the outputs are intended to serve as practical instruments to guide policy and regulatory action across WATRA’s 16 member states.

“These reports are not merely formalities. They will inform policy, guide regulatory action, and strengthen regional harmonisation,” he stated.

The meeting comes at a time when West Africa’s telecommunications sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by emerging technologies such as digital financial services, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Aboki noted that this shift requires more adaptive and forward-looking regulatory frameworks, particularly in areas such as data protection, cybersecurity, and digital governance.

He further highlighted that the outcomes of the Working Groups will contribute to the evaluation of WATRA’s 2022–2025 Strategic Plan and inform the development of its 2026–2030 strategy.

“The reports produced here represent concrete evidence of the value generated through this collaborative approach and reaffirm the importance of coordinated regulation in bridging the digital divide in West Africa,” he said.

Economic Context: A Large and Fast-Growing Digital Opportunity

The importance of WATRA’s work is underscored by the scale of the West African economy and the accelerating contribution of digital technologies.

The ECOWAS region, comprising over 400 million people, has a combined GDP estimated at approximately $700–800 billion in nominal terms, with Nigeria accounting for more than two-thirds of economic output. This makes West Africa one of the most economically significant regions on the African continent.

Digital technologies are playing an increasingly central role in this growth. According to industry and multilateral estimates, the digital economy contributes between 4% and 6% of GDP across many African markets, with mobile technologies alone accounting for roughly 4–5% of GDP in West Africa, and rising steadily as connectivity improves.

Within this context, the West African digital market, spanning e-commerce, digital payments, connectivity services, and platforms, has been estimated at over $200 billion, with recent projections placing it above $216 billion in 2024, reflecting rapid expansion in mobile penetration, fintech adoption, and platform-based services.

Beyond scale, the digital economy is increasingly recognised as a critical driver of:

• Economic growth, through productivity gains and new enterprise creation
• Welfare improvements, by expanding access to financial services, education, and healthcare
• Inclusion, particularly by connecting rural and underserved populations

Across the region, a number of leading markets are shaping this transformation:

• Nigeria, the region’s largest digital economy and home to major telecom and fintech players
• Ghana, a fast-growing hub for digital payments and financial innovation
• Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, which are emerging as key digital and infrastructure growth centres

These dynamics reinforce the importance of coordinated regulatory frameworks—such as those being developed through WATRA, to ensure that digital growth translates into broad-based economic and social gains.

The Executive Secretary also confirmed that the recommendations arising from the meeting will be presented to the WATRA General Assembly for consideration and adoption.

WATRA expressed its appreciation to the Government of Burkina Faso and ARCEP Burkina Faso for hosting the meeting, commending their support and commitment to regional cooperation. Special recognition was given to the Chairman of the Regulatory Council of ARCEP, Dr Pasteur Poda, and the Executive Secretary, Mr Patrice Compaoré, for their leadership.

Aboki also acknowledged the contributions of the Working Group members, Co-Chairs, Rapporteurs, and the WATRA Secretariat, noting that their voluntary efforts have been instrumental in strengthening the organisation’s technical capacity and relevance.

“As we transition into the next strategic cycle, we expect even greater impact from WATRA’s work. This will depend on sustained collaboration and the continued engagement of our experts across the region,” he added.

He concluded by reaffirming WATRA’s commitment to deepening regional cooperation and supporting the implementation of harmonised regulatory frameworks to enable digital growth and inclusion across West Africa.

The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) is a regional organisation of telecommunications regulators from 16 West African countries. It promotes cooperation, harmonisation of regulatory frameworks, and the development of the ICT sector across the subregion.

This digital explosion in Nigeria is triggered in periods like Easter. What used to be a calm religious period has become a peak window for streaming, mobile engagement and digital spending.

Lately, Easter has gone beyond being observed in churches to being consumed across screens.

Pews to platforms

There is still strong church attendance, which has not changed. What has changed is what happens before and after.

Phones are now part of the experience.

Nigeria has over 151 million internet subscribers, almost entirely driven by mobile access. This means Easter is no longer a shared schedule but a personalised, on-demand experience.

The growth of the “digital pulpit”

One of the most obvious changes this year is what I would call the digital pulpit.

Worship is no more tied to location, it moves with the user.

Podcasts, livestreams and recorded sermons are now done alongside traditional services. In many cases, they extend them. A message heard on Sunday is replayed on Monday morning traffic.

The data supports it:

• Faith-based podcast listening is steeply increasing
• More than 90% of streams happen on mobile devices

This is structured engagement not casual listening. Voices like Emmanuel Iren and Femi Lazarus are building large digital audiences. Their content blends theology with production quality, clear audio, clipped messages, and distribution across platforms.

The growth stresses that spiritual influence is longer limited to physical reach because digital distribution now defines it.

What Nigerians are watching: streaming takes over

Easter viewing has changed completely.

It used to be scheduled television, a few biblical films, and fixed times. Now it is on-demand.

• Church services stream live on YouTube
• Films are watched on mobile screens
• Content is replayed, clipped, and shared

At the same time, Nollywood is adjusting.

New titles like Avante (released April 3) are entering a congested digital space, while Behind the Scenes still tops as the highest-grossing Nollywood title into 2026.

Looking at distribution, platforms such as Africa Magic and YouTube are competing for attention, especially for indigenous content. Yoruba and Igbo language productions have seen around 87% growth in viewership and listening over the past year.

Easter is now a competition for attention, not just a moment of reflection.

The gospel streaming explosion

Music is still major during Easter, but the format has changed. Streaming platforms now carry most of the weight.

Data from Spotify shows that gospel and praise streams have grown by over 5,000% since 2021, ascertaining structural growth.

This week, playlists are doing the work once handled by choirs and CDs.

Artists like:

• Nathaniel Bassey
• Moses Bliss
• Dunsin Oyekan

are topping streams.

Dunsin Oyekan’s “Naija Worship” playlist takeover in early April reflects a wider shift. Curation has become as important as creation.

Worship is now on-demand, replayable, and algorithm-driven.

Reading, but differently

Reading has not disappeared, it has just changed shape.

Long books have given way to:

• Daily devotionals
• Short scripture posts
• Mobile-first reading

Apps like YouVersion Bible App are highly used here.

WhatsApp broadcasts and social media captions now carry a large share of spiritual content. It is quick, shareable and constant.

Reflection has been compressed into digital moments.

Gaming: the competitor

There is another aspect to Easter that isn’t usually unnoticed, and that’s gaming.

Holidays create downtime. Downtime drives play.

Titles like:

• Call of Duty: Mobile
• EA Sports FC Mobile

compete directly with films, sermons and music for attention.

Attention is limited.

Even during religious periods, platforms are competing for the same hours.

Social media: where Easter is performed

Easter now lives online.

• Instagram carries fashion and lifestyle
• TikTok spreads choir clips and sermon highlights
• WhatsApp distributes devotionals

What used to be private is now shared.

Easter is no longer just experienced, it is performed.

The economics: follow the data

Behind all this activity is money.

Nigeria’s telecom sector has changed. Data, not voice, now drives revenue growth.

Monthly internet spending has surged, with Nigerians spending an estimated ₦721 billion on data in a single month in 2025.

The beneficiaries are:

• MTN Nigeria
• Airtel Nigeria
• Streaming platforms
• Content creators

There is also a behavioural change.

People are now gifting:

• Data bundles
• Subscriptions
• Digital access

instead of physical items.

Easter consumption can now be measured in gigabytes.

A change driven by pressure

The high prices have made travel and large gatherings more expensive. Many people are staying in, and when they stay in, they go online.

Digital becomes the substitute.

It is cheaper, flexible and fits the moment.

The contradiction

There is a tension at the centre of all this.

Faith encourages stillness.
Technology encourages engagement.

The same platforms that deliver sermons and worship are designed to keep users scrolling, watching and listening.

That tension is not going away.

The change is permanent

Easter itself has not changed, the meaning is the same. But the way Nigerians experience it is what has changed.

Looking at podcasts, playlists, livestreams and even data bundles, we see what Easter is.

It is mobile.
It is personalised.
It is monetised.

And most of all, it is measured in data, in streams, and in time spent on screen.

At the same time, the country recorded over 182 million active mobile subscriptions and about 53% broadband penetration as of early 2026.

These statistics are rarely spotlighted in discussions about Nigeria’s tech sector, though they point to the main driver in the field.

While attention is placed on startups, funding rounds and new apps, influence is consolidating around the companies that run the networks.

These include MTN Group and Airtel Africa, not simply as telecom operators, but as companies expanding into digital platforms.

The scale advantage nobody can replicate

Start with distribution. Nigeria has more than 182 million active mobile lines, with stable monthly growth. In January 2026 alone, over 2.5 million new subscriptions were added.

Market share is heavily concentrated, with MTN and Airtel together accounting for close to 86% of mobile connections in the country.

This is not a fragmented market, a small number of operators control access at scale, limiting how far smaller competitors can reach.

That control affects how people come online, how data is used, and how digital services reach users.

Startups build applications, but telcos are in control of the networks on which those applications depend.

From connectivity to control

For years, telecom companies relied on voice calls and SMS for revenue, but that model has changed.

Data now drives earnings, alongside enterprise services and digital offerings.

The transition is measurable and revenue is moving towards:

• mobile data
• business connectivity
• digital service layers

At the same time, telecom operators are expanding into:

• financial services
• developer platforms
• enterprise solutions
• identity and verification systems

This is a change in structure, not just product expansion.

Once a company controls connectivity, expanding into adjacent services becomes a natural progression.

MTN’s reset

Recent changes at MTN Group align with the new direction. A few days ago, the company announced the appointment of five new independent non-executive directors, alongside the planned retirement of long-serving board members. The changes take effect from March 31 and are tied to its Ambition 2030 strategy.

This is part of a governance adjustment. As operations expand across markets and services, oversight structures are being strengthened to match that scale and complexity.

Board composition influences strategic direction, capital allocation and risk management. Changes at that level usually show where a company is heading.

In this case, the direction points beyond traditional telecom operations.

Airtel is focusing on a different future

Airtel Africa is taking a different approach. The company is testing satellite-to-mobile connectivity, working with low-earth orbit systems to extend coverage.

Nigeria still faces infrastructure challenges, including uneven fibre deployment and high rollout costs in rural areas.

Satellite connectivity provides a way around these limits. Coverage is no longer tied entirely to physical infrastructure such as towers and fibre routes.

If scaled, this approach could change how network expansion is done, particularly in underserved areas.

The fintech convergence is inevitable

Telecom operators already have:

• large, verified user bases
• frequent customer interaction through airtime and data
• wide physical and digital distribution

These factors support expansion into:

• payments
• wallets
• remittance services
• credit products

This brings them into direct competition with fintech firms, with the difference lying in the starting point.

Startups build products and then acquire users. Telcos already have users and are building services around them.

The result of this overlap is still unfolding, but the direction is too simple not to understand.

Data flows, and telcos sit at the centre

Nigeria’s digital activity is growing really fast. Monthly data consumption has crossed 1.3 million terabytes, driven by streaming, social media and financial services.

All of that traffic runs through telecom networks.

Operators influence:

• connection speed
• pricing
• reliability

These factors affect how digital services perform and how widely they are adopted.

This places telecom companies in a foremost position within the digital economy.

There is Growth, but access is still uneven

Infrastructure investment is increasing even as the network keeps expanding, with more sites, wider fibre coverage and gradual 5G rollout. MTN alone invested over $1 billion in 2025, targeting wider broadband access.

However, there is still a huge gap.

Broadband penetration is just above 53%, and access is uneven across regions. Again, we can’t leave out the high expenses that limit many users.

Expansion is ongoing, but inclusion is not yet complete.

Regulation will follow power

With telecom companies expanding their role, regulatory attention is increasing.

Issues under focus include:

• data protection
• competition
• infrastructure security

Telecom networks now support financial systems, communication and economic activity at scale.

As their influence grows, so does the need for oversight.

The endgame is already visible

As it stands, telcos across Africa, in a bid to become tech platforms, are expanding into multiple layers of the digital economy.

Their roles are expanding to include:

• financial services
• cloud distribution
• identity systems
• infrastructure platforms

This places them in a position to support and influence a wide range of digital services.

Startups will continue to innovate just as regulators will continue to respond.

But telecom operators will always be indispensable to how digital access is provided and scaled.

So…

Much of the conversation around Nigeria’s tech sector focuses on applications, founders and funding.

That view leaves out the underlying systems that make those services possible.

The more fundamental changes are happening in network expansion, infrastructure investment and corporate strategy.

They are less visible, but they carry long-term weight, and they are steadily changing how the digital economy operates.