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.

Under the theme ‘Future-Forward – Harnessing the Power of Youth, Innovation, and Technology for National Economic Growth’, key discussions revolved around fostering a robust digital economy, enhancing digital citizenship, and ensuring inclusive growth across all sectors.

The LFC 2025 kicked off with a strong message from Dr. Bayero Agabi, president of DigiVation Network, who underscored the conference’s theme as perfectly encapsulating “the spirit of innovation, progress, and collective endeavours that define Nigerians.”

Dr. Agabi also issued a cautionary note on digital citizenship, stating that “Online Cyber Responsibility is a must to protect intellectual property rights among other concerns.

He stressed that upholding national values, respecting cultural norms, and protecting national security are integral to responsible online behaviour.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), delivered a powerful keynote address, asserting that Nigeria’s true wealth lies not in natural resources, but in its human capital, particularly within “classrooms, co-working spaces, and innovation hubs.

Speaking at the LFC 2025 through Dr. Aristotle Onumo, director of Stakeholder Management & Partnerships, the DG emphasized that the future belongs to nations with tech-ready youth.

He cited the remarkable achievement of Nigerian startups, which attracted over $1.2 billion in venture capital funding in 2024, showcasing the “audacity to dream, to build, to reimagime” prevalent among young Nigerians.

The importance of a robust national identity system as a catalyst for growth was highlighted by Engineer Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Represented by Prince Ajibade Ayeni Omobalufon, she stated that identity is the key to opening doors, breaking barriers, and creating pathways to future growth and development.

The NIMC’s partnership with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the creation of job opportunities through the NIMC Entrepreneurship System were cited as tangible examples of how digital identity is empowering youth.

Further solidifying the government’s commitment to digital transformation, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, managing director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, shared an ambitious vision for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

Speaking through Victor Imonieroh, he announced the expansion of their high-speed fiber optic network to over 5,000 kilometers and a groundbreaking partnership with NIGCOMSAT to extend connectivity to all 774 local government areas. “Our vision is clear,” he concluded. “A Nigeria where the youth are empowered by innovation, where technology is the bedrock of inclusive economic development, and where collaboration drives progress.”

Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, president of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), represented by Dr. Charles Onyeukwu, deputy national president, advocated strongly for greater empowerment of young people to counteract the “japa syndrome” – the increasing emigration of skilled professionals.

He urged for collective efforts to provide “meaningful avenues for the young people to express their dreams” within Nigeria.

Addressing critical issues of digital access and economic viability, Dr. Yele Okeremi, founder of Precise Financial Systems (PFS), represented by Mr. Babajide Alaka, stressed the need for “equitable access” to technology.

He pointed out the stark disparity in internet access, largely concentrated in major urban centers, and called for “deliberate investment in rural connectivity, community-based tech hubs, digital literacy programs in local languages, and inclusive policies that close the urban-rural gap.”

Dr. Tola Yusuf, co-founder of Infratel Africa, amplified the call for connecting underserved areas, highlighting that approximately “23 million people are still unconnected in Nigeria.”

He argued that intentional policies are needed to make investments in rural connectivity viable for telecom operators, emphasizing its crucial role in retaining young talent and fostering local entrepreneurship.

The conference also featured a significant announcement from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, represented by Ibukunoluwa Owa, at the LFC 2025 unveiled a series of youth-focused initiatives, including a localized National Data Protection Certification Programme that has already trained nearly 500 Nigerians.

“Data protection is not just about security—it’s about empowerment,” Owa stated, highlighting the massive employment opportunities for certified Data Protection Officers. The NDPC also launched Data Privacy Clubs in Universities, Secondary School Outreach programs, and a Virtual Privacy Academy, underscoring its commitment to creating a “safe, respectful, and secure” digital environment for young Nigerians.

Adding to the diverse perspectives, Dr. Olushola Odusanya, director general of the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), represented by Mrs. Iret Oyefuga, deputy director at NACETEM affirmed the management’s commitment to “promoting research, technology, and innovation in Nigeria for sustainable development.”

He expressed optimism that collective efforts would drive economic growth and improve lives.

Finally, Arco Worldwide Services Limited, represented by David Ofoluwa, senior business development executive, made a compelling case for investing in drone innovation and youth empowerment, positioning Nigeria at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The Lagos Future Conference (LFC) 2025 served as a vital platform for robust discussions, highlighting both the immense potential and the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s digital future.

The consensus among stakeholders was clear: a collaborative, responsible, and inclusive approach is paramount to translating the nation’s technological aspirations into tangible economic growth and a brighter future for all its citizens.