This decisive action, according to a statement available to Techeconomy  jointly signed by Mr. Chike Maduekwe, executive chairman/MD, ANSPPB, and Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, follows numerous reports of illegal road and sidewalk excavations, as well as the unauthorized erection of poles defacing our environment.

The State Reads:

“Investigations have since revealed that several ISPs have been operating without the required submission of deployment plans and approvals. These illegal operations pose serious risks, including data breaches, poor service quality, and the defacement of public infrastructure.

“Left unchecked, such activities not only compromise residents’ safety but also undermine legitimate ISPs who are registered with the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and are prepared to follow due process to provide reliable services.

“The objective of this crackdown is to sanitize the state’s digital landscape by ensuring that only properly registered and certified ISPs are allowed to operate in the State.

“This initiative is part of the broader vision of the Soludo-led administration to promote responsible technology use for the collective good.

“Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or unlicensed ISP activity by calling the dedicated hotline: 02014143039

Commenting on the development, Mr. Chike Maduekwe, the executive chairman/managing director of ANSPPB, stated:

“This isn’t about shutting anyone out. It’s about ensuring everyone plays by the rules.

“If you want to offer internet services in Anambra, go through the proper channels. We will support those doing the right thing, but we will not fold our arms and watch people cut corners.” Maduekwe concluded.

Also speaking, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, managing director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, emphasized:

“The Internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Mr Governor announced and implemented zero right of way policy as a way of encouraging more players and deepening access, however, it is important to state that the first point of call for any interested player are the relevant agencies so that the State is aware of what is being deployed.

“This is because our people deserve services from providers they can trust. We are  committed to protecting our citizens while enabling fair competition in the tech ecosystem.” Agbata concluded.

The Anambra State Government remains resolute in fostering a safe, fair, and well-regulated digital economy, one where residents can enjoy reliable internet services without fear of exploitation or compromise.

“Let’s all work together to safeguard Anambra’s digital future”, the statement concludes.

These ISPs are struggling to stay afloat due to competitions from the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) like MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9mobile. The challenges confronting their market limit their expansion plans, among other impacts.

However, if you’re in the market to select a new internet service provider, whether you’re moving, not happy with your current service, or just curious about your options, we can help.

Our rating of the Top 10 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) 2024 includes companies offering different types of internet – fiber, cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), satellite, fixed wireless, and 4G home internet services – across or selected cities in Nigeria.

We based on our ratings on the number of active subscribers each of the ISPs could maintain.

You should understand some factors customers select a particular ISP:

People use ISPs that offer reliable and high-speed internet connections, meeting the growing demand for seamless online experiences.

Additionally, these ISPs often provide bundled services, making it convenient for users to access multiple services through a single provider.

ISPs also invest in network infrastructure, ensuring connectivity in both urban and rural areas.

Competitive pricing and various data plans cater to diverse consumer needs, attracting a broad customer base.

Lastly, the reputation and established presence of ISPs across cities in Nigeria contribute to consumer trust, encouraging people to choose these providers for their internet and communication needs.

Top 10 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria by active subscribers, based on data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

10. Cobranet Ltd (Active Subscribers: 3,401)

Cobranet Limited is one of the long lasting Internet Service and data providers in Nigeria. Since its launch in 2003, Cobranet provides internet service and data management solution to the digital universe. The company has been consistent as one of the top 20 Internet Service Providers in the country.

As an ISP, Cobranet offers corporate internet plans for organizations and medium sized businesses over a state- of- the -art -radio network in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt as well as residential plans on a network topology which is rugged, dynamic and fully redundant with negligible downtimes.

Cobranet’s promise is to continue to provide innovative and world class solutions at the best feature-to price and service –to –price ratio to ensure that customers achieve their targets while enjoying the peace of mind of being Cobranet subscribers. The active subscribers grew from 3268 in 2022 to 3401 as at third quarter 2023.

9. Suburban Broadband (Active subscribers: 3,627)

Suburban Fiber Company Limited entered the Nigerian telecommunications market providing intelligence, statistical analysis, consultation, networks.

The company started providing mobile phone companies with intercity and international transmission facilities, which established Suburban as an industry leader in this segment with 60% market share from 2003-06.

In less than 5 years the industry evolved to industry innovation leadership in advanced fiber technology, multimedia content distribution, and cloud platform services – a position it has been able to sustain over the last 20 years, among other achievements.

As at Q3 2023, Suburban Fiber Company Limited has 3627 active subscribers, according to NCC statistics.

8. Radical Technology (Active Subscribers: 3,647)

Radical Technology Network Ltd, now Coollink.ng, is one of the top internet service providers in Nigerian. Over the years, the ISP has ensured the highest levels of customer responsiveness and service quality, a trait which has earned it long-standing relationships with the subscribers and made Coollink.ng one of the most reliable ISPs in Nigeria.

The service offerings include solutions to provide customers with value-added services and support, enabling them to focus on their business instead of their network and internet connection.

In 2009 Coollink.ng was the 1st African ISP to sign up with the Ka-band satellite operator Yahsat being the first to believe in the Ka-band technology on the continent.

In 2016 Coollink.ng has been contracted by Facebook to deploy the ExpressWifi solution in Nigeria, being the 1st West African company selected by Facebook for ExpressWifi.

In 2017, the ISP was appointed Strategic Partner for the whole of West Africa by NSSLGlobal one of the World’s biggest and best satellite communications service provider.

It also signed a partnership agreement with Konnect-Africa, set up by Eutelsat in 2015, to expend the Ka-band services across the continent.

The ISP has 3647 active subscribers.

7. NgCom Limited (Active Subscribers: 3,946)

NgCom Networks Limited “NgCom Ltd” is one of the internet service providers licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). With one of its unlimited internet plans, you can stream, browse and download to your heart’s content.

NgCom with 3946 active subscribers is the seventh ISP we reviewed.

6. Cyberspace Network (Active Subscribers 4,130)

Cyberspace is one of the leading ISPs in Nigeria. In 2014, it deployed 4G LTE network infrastructure to bring to the customers an undeniable feel of 10x more Speed, Mobility, Security, Throughput, and Reduced Latency from anything the world had ever seen before then.

Cyberspace prides its superfast 4G LTE internet service as always been affordable, high quality and reliable.

They have a variety of packages to choose from and whether you need single- or multi-user access, all of its devices are simple to use.

From NCC’s statistics, Cyberspace 4G LTE has 4130 active subscribers.

5. VDT Communications (Active Subscribers: 6,611)

VDT Communications is a licensed Private Network service provider specializing in the provision of Enterprise Wide Area Network (WAN) and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) link connectivity using Fiber Optic and Wireless Communication infrastructure and access networks.

As one of the top 20 Internet Service Providers VDT providers  corporate organizations with leased Fiber Optic trunks to the thirty-six (36) states in Nigeria and the FCT, where they have over 58 Point-Of-Presence (POP) and complement of technical support staffers.

It has also launched broadband service for the mass market. VDT’s total connected subscribers increased to 9,424 in 2020 from 2,404 in 2021. The total active subscribers also increased from 1,731 to 6,611.

4. Starlink Internet (Active Subscribers: 11,207)

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by private aerospace company SpaceX, providing coverage to over 71 countries. SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites in 2019.

Starlink Internet Service Nigeria Ltd., started operations in January 2023.

The company which also aims for global mobile phone service now has 11,207 within a space of one year.

3. ipNX (Active Subscribers: 14,871)

ipNX is one of the innovative top 20 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria. In 2021, the company launched FOS Xtreme1000, a new broadband service offering 1 Gigabit Per Second (1Gbps) speed to residential users, becoming the first player in the Nigerian market to offer such high speeds.

ipNX as one of Nigeria’s fastest growing Internet service providers serves a multitude of needs across enterprises, small businesses and residents with innovative, world-class services.

Its ability to identify, satisfy and exceed today’s market needs is a testament to over a decade of experience, commitment, drive and passion realized through highly skilled and well-seasoned professionals.

As a pioneer and a leading Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) operator in Nigeria, IPNX currently accounts for 14,871 active subscribers up from 11,107 it reported in 2022.

2. Tizeti (Active Subscribers: 19,126)

Tizeti is one of the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) disrupting the telecommunications service provisioning in Nigeria. Tizeti came on stream at the time many ISPs couldn’t find the grounds to compete.

The company is leveraging the large wireless capacity available with Wi-fi and plummeting cost of solar panels to create a low CAPEX/OPEX network of owned & operated towers to offer disruptive, customer-friendly pricing for unlimited internet service right across Africa.

Tizeti provides high speed broadband internet to Residences, businesses, Events, Conferences and deploys public Wi-fi Hotspot at locations across Africa.

According to NCC statistics, Tizeti has 19126 active subscribers as at Q3 2023.

1. Spectranet Limited (Active Subscribers: 113,747)

Spectranet leads the top 10 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria with most active subscribers. The company was awarded a license by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 2009 to promote Internet services across the country.

Spectranet was among the first Internet Service Providers to launch 4G LTE internet service in Nigeria and aims to be a leader in the Internet Services space.

Spectranet accounts for 249,179 out of the total 351,817 connected subscribers on ISPSs networks. This shows Spectranet added 3,340 connected subscribers in one year when compared to 245,839 it recorded in 2020.

However, the ISP’s active subscribers reduced from 119,612 in 2022 to 113,747 as at Q3 2023.

An Internet Service Provider is a company that provides Internet connections and services to individuals and organizations.

ISPs may also provide software packages (such as browsers), e-mail accounts, and a personal website or home page. ISPs can host websites for businesses and can also build the websites themselves.

ISPs are all connected to each other through network access points, public network facilities on the Internet backbone.

ALSO READ: Nigeria’s Broadband Penetration Increases to 45.55% in October

In this report, TechEconomy looks at Top Internet Service Providers in Nigeria 2023 with emphasis on three key metrics – Connected Subscribers, Active Subscribers, and Points of Presence (POP).

A point of presence (PoP) is a demarcation point, access point, or physical location at which two or more networks or communication devices share a connection.

It is important to note that most of these ISPs offer enterprise services. Yes, we know you might as about the ‘big four’, namely; MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9mobile. These are primarily focused on individual subscribers. Meanwhile, these telecommunication companies now have Business segments that compete with the ISPs on Enterprise connectivity.

In a nutshell, the rise of commercial Internet services and applications helped fuel a rapid commercialization of the Internet.

The table below displays the number of subscribers per each individual leading internet service provider from the latest reporting to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

Top Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria 2023:

1. Spectranet Ltd

Spectranet is one of the Licensed ISPs by the Nigerian Communications Commission. It received the operating license in 2009 to promote Internet services across Nigeria. Spectranet was the first Internet Service Provider to launch 4G LTE internet service in Nigeria and aims to be a leader in the Internet Services space.

Customer Base: As at Q3 2022, it has 287,075 connected subscribers of which 115,103 are active. It boosts of 648 Points of Presence. You can contact Spectranet via the link HERE.

2. Tizeti Network Ltd                 

Tizeti is a fixed wireless broadband Internet service provider (ISP or WISP) operated by Tizeti Inc, using Wireless to provide unlimited internet to residential and small business customers in Africa. Tizeti currently operates within Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Port Harcourt, Benin, Oyo, and Accra. Tizeti operates on the 5.4GHz Wi-Fi and 3.5GHz 4G LTE bands, connecting its Solar Powered Towers to customer premise equipment on customer buildings. Wireless internet propagation is near line-of-sight, not penetrating buildings and windows. The customers connect to the service via wi-fi routers inside their building.

It is an ISP that has demoed 5G in Nigeria during its neXTGEN Tech Conference in 2021.

Customer base: According to statistics on NCC’s website, Tizeti has 39,410 connected subscribers, 18,243 active customers and 131 POP. Tizeti Nigeria Call Center: 01-2291000/ 09087493040.

3. ipNX Nigeria Ltd

ipNX is one of Nigeria’s fastest growing Information and Communications Technology companies, serving a multitude of needs across enterprises, small businesses and residents with innovative, world-class services.

Its strength lies in the team’s ability to identify, satisfy and exceed today’s market needs as has been demonstrated in over a decade of experience.

ipNX is a pioneer and a leading Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) operator in Nigeria, and currently provides a number of solutions to various industries and market segments using industry-leading technology (such as its very own Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) cable technology) as the core access network infrastructure and fixed wireless radio services (via licensed frequency).

The Internet Service provider also proffers complementary IT solutions, with a view of covering key commercial and suburban regions.

Customer base: ipNX has 19,068 Connected Subscribers, 13,104 active customers and 53 POP. To contact ipNX, follow the link here.

4. Astramix Ltd

With its office located at Zinna Court, 21 Mamman Nasir Street, Asokoro, FCT, Abuja – Astramix Limited is working to become the major Internet Broadband and Data provider in Nigeria.

The company deploys first class communication technology for reliable, uninterruptible and efficient top-of-the range data solutions in the market. With Grade ‘A’ brands as its exclusive sources of airtime, hardware and technology, Astramix is expanding its markets and operational bases to provide uninterrupted connectivity specifically to Nigeria’s Business and Private sectors.

Customer base:  Astramix has 15,040 connected subscribers. 15,040 of them are active at its 5 Points of Presence.

5. VDT Comms Ltd

VDT is one of the most awarded Internet Service Providers in Nigeria. As a licensed Private Network service provider, VDT specializes in the provision of Enterprise Wide Area Network (WAN) and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) link connectivity using Fiber Optic and Wireless Communication infrastructure and access networks.

VDT offers Broadband communication service to corporate organizations with leased Fiber Optic trunks to the thirty-six (36) states in Nigeria and the FCT, and counting with localised technical support staffers.

VDT is ISO 9001:2015 (Certificate #: BN5966/6288:0313) and ISO/IEC 20000-2018 certified organization (Certificate # ITMS 621838).

This confers the global mark of process quality standard compliance on our ability to meet and exceed customers’ requirements.

Customer base: Available statistics shows VDT communications has 12,767 connected subscribers,  7,294 active subscribers. Although, on NCC’s website, VDT has 59 Points of Presence, however, the company claims its POP increased to 145.

You can contact VDT by clicking this link.

6. Suburban Broadband Ltd          

Entered the Nigerian telecommunications market providing intelligence, statistical analysis, consultation and network services, with the intent to make a difference. It bBegan providing mobile phone companies with intercity and international transmission facilities, which established Suburban as an industry leader in this segment with 60% market share from 2003-06.

In less than 5 years the industry evolved to industry innovation leadership in advanced fiber technology, multimedia content distribution, and cloud platform services – a position it has been able to sustain over the last 20 years. Read more and contact Suburban Broadband here.

Customer base: The ISP has 6,354 Connected subscriber, 4,349 of them are active, and it has 6 POP.

7 Cyberspace Network Ltd

For more than 25 years Cyberspace Network has evolved from being just a startup providing Network solutions, to providing connectivity and later growing further to developing software solutions in the quest to solving as many problems as the team possibly can.

Through investing in people and technology in delivering exceptional customer service, its mission had always been to distinguish itself as a complete solutions provider in the industry, providing top-notch services to the customers and partners worldwide. You can contact them by sending email to: customercare@cyberspace.net.ng

Customer base: Cyberspace Network has 4,260 Connected Subscribers and all of them are Active subscribers. It provides services to the customers through 138 Points of Presence.

8. Cobranet Ltd

Cobranet currently offers corporate internet plans for organizations and medium sized businesses over a state- of- the -art -radio network in Lagos, Abuja and Major Cities as well as residential plans on a network topology which is rugged, dynamic and fully redundant with negligible downtimes.

The company provides reliable services to the Nigerian market and position ourselves as a leader in this sector. Know how to reach Cobranet by visiting the site.

Customer base: All Cobrantet’s 3,609 connected subscribers are Active across its 85 POP.

9. Radical Tech Network Ltd

Radical Technology Network Ltd was incorporated in Lagos, Nigeria on 08 Jan 2016 and licensed by the by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as an ICT company to offer Internet Service Providing.

Although its current status is unknown, however Radical Technology Network is believed to have metamorphosed to Coolink.ng located at PLOT 267A, Etim Inyang Crescent Victoria Island Lagos.

Customer base: NCC’s statistics shows that it has 2,641 Connected subscribers with 1,945 active subscribers and 6 POP.

10. Dotmac Technologies Ltd

Dotmac Technologies Ltd is among the top Internet Service Providers in Nigeria. Operating in Abuja, Dotmac Technologies delivers broadband internet via Fiber to the Home Technology. Established in 2008, the is an experienced ICT company with a wide range of services that are designed to improve and optimize the services of the clients. Dotmac Technologies customer care line is 019125161

Customer Base: It has 1,968 connected subscribers; 1,608 of them are active across its 27 POP.

11. Ngcom Ltd

Ngcom is a network company authorized by NCC to provide internet services across Nigeria. Ngcom Network Solutions is one of Nigeria ‘s leading Internet service providers offering Unlimited Internet service to residential and business users.

Its core business is to link you to what matters most to you, by offering limitless Internet access with absolutely no data or time caps through fiber optic and fixed wireless.

Ngcom has diligently pursued the mission to empower Nigerian businesses and families to interact with their environment through its unique services across the region.

Customer base: Ngcom has 1,931 connected subscribers and 1,401 are active. It has 10 POP.

12. MainOne, an Equinix Company

You know MainOne as an undersea cable company, right? You are not wrong. However, MainOne is one of the top Internet Service Providers in Nigeria. MainOne, an Equinix Company, is a leading West African data center and connectivity solutions provider with presence in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. MainOne provides highly reliable services to major telecom operators, ISPs, government agencies, small to large enterprises, and educational institutions. MDXi, a subsidiary of MainOne, builds and operates data centers across West Africa. MainOne’s office is located at FABAC Centre, 3b Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria or call: 0700 624 6663

Customer base:  with 1,486 connected and active subscribers, MainOne provides its ISP services across 51 POP.

13. Galaxy Backbone Limited

Galaxy Backbone Limited is an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Services provider, wholly owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Galaxy Backbone continues to operate, improve and upgrade its common services platform to meet international standards. GBB’s initial major directive when it commenced operations in 2006 was to help reduce and completely eradicate the silos that had been in existence in government as a result of the diverse and expensive manner in which technology operations were delivered across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies. The company was also charged with the responsibility of building a common services platform consisting of in-country and offshore VSAT hubs, a data center, a Federal Capital metro fiber backbone and multiple redundant internet gateways.

A substantial amount of work has been done in this regard and recognizable impact noticed across the federal government agencies. While GBB can state there has been a lot of improvement in the way government communicates with government; with businesses, the international community and the entire citizenry, however there is still a lot more to be done. To contact GBB, send email via: ServiceDesk@galaxybackbone.com.ng​​ or DM on Social media @Galaxybackbone.

Customer base: GBB has 1,417 Connected subscribers. 1,417 of these subscribers are connected. Galaxy backbone has 118 Points of Presence.

14. Hyperia Ltd

Hyperia is a licensed Internet Service Providers in Nigeria. Hyperia as a member of CIS group of companies partners with YahClick (powered by Hughes) notable as one of the oldest names in the African Internet space, having achieved its license in Nigeria since 1997.

Hyperia has its corporate head office in Victoria, Lagos and branch offices in several cities in Nigeria.  CIS group, a prominent name in the IT space has its presence in 42 countries in Africa.

Range of services marketed include; Fiber optic and Vsat connectivity, Internet services consulting, E-mail services, VOIP and PABX services, Web development and hosting, LAN and WAN network Designs, Planning and Installation, Intranet and Virtual Private Network (VPN) implementation, Mini Hub supply, ISP design and setup, Microwave – Wifi – WiMax and VSAT Internet connections, and ERP and Security solutions. To contact Hyperia, send email via: info@ Hyperia.com.

Customer base:  Hyperia has 1,406 customers and all of them are active.               It has 8 Points of Presence.

15. I-World Networks Ltd

I-World Networks is rapidly expanding the Next Generation Fixed Wireless Internet connection for Home & Business with Reliable, Cost effective Unlimited internet service at a peak speed of 1Gbps real internet speed.

It specializes in offering internet services to Hotels with hundreds of customers on Wi-Fi connections each day, or an organization with real time ERP software or an Educational institution, they have it all tailor-made for you. Visit here to see how to contact I-World Networks.

Customer base: I-World Networks boasts of 1,327 Connected subscribers, 1,117 Active customers, and 3 Points of Presence.

16. Inq. Digital Nigeria Ltd (formerly Vodacom)

As a global leading-edge solutions provider, inq. prides itself in providing innovative, business-relevant services in Edge AI and IoT, Fabric, SDN/NFV for Edge Cloud, Secure Access Services Edge and Elastic Edge.

The company offers what they call ‘Lagos-Metro internet service’, a high-speed intracity solution which provides customers within Lagos very high data rates using an alternative medium to fiber.

This service is suitable for enterprises in the Oil & Gas sectors as well as banks who require a backhaul to their Disaster Recovery Centers, an interconnection with switching and clearing houses or their Contact center.

It is also ideal for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who need a POP to POP connection. With the Lagos-Metro internet service, customers within Lagos are guaranteed a high capacity bandwidth with the speed and reliability they need to manage their businesses and communicate without barriers. Contact: Depending on your location, you can contact Inq.Digital by visiting the link here.

Customer base: With 1,290 connected subscribers all active, Inq. Digital Nigeria Ltd has 92 Points of Presence.

TE: Beyond what may be generally known to the public already, tell us more about the operations of Pan-African Towers?

Azeez Amida: We provide tower infrastructure to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for now but our focus is shifting toward providing digital infrastructure services to our customers.  We are an enabler rather than a reactive business to what the customers want.

The way the industry works now is that the mobile network operators would request for tower infrastructure to be provided at a particular location, and then we go there and build the sites for them after ensuring that due diligence has been done. That means you are just reacting and sticking to what the operators say.

However, Pan African Towers is changing that. We are evolving into a digital infrastructure provider. We are saying how do we enable people who want to use infrastructure to have that access by leading the MNOs where they want to go.

So, that is what we want to drive our focus to, because in this game, we have a lot of big players that are already in the market, with a lot of money behind them.

So, technically as an indigenous infrastructure provider, the only edge we can play around with is the edge of leading the game. We want to change the approach to the telecoms infrastructure market.

TE: Coming on board to lead the operations of Pan-African Towers, what is the special agenda you are bringing with you to further drive the company?

Azeez Amida: Well, first of all, our focus is on growth. I believe in growing our business. I have always been an advocate for growth. Growth has always been assumed to be a natural phenomenon, but you cannot just grow without being deliberate about it. At pan African Towers, we are deliberate about our growth.

And as you are aware, we have raised a lot of money in the last couple of months, and then we are going to be doing a lot of work to push that growth agenda as much as we can. Growth is an important element of our business; we will be looking at the speed of execution of our projects as well as their quality. That is the first thing.

The second thing is to diversify our services. We are going to be doing a lot of branding in the coming months to reposition ourselves in the market; to let you know that we are now fully in for business. I want to go for the long haul and we plan to build a multinational from home here in Nigeria. That is the goal.

We want to focus on that: build a multinational telecoms infrastructure company and grow at a very fast speed to deliver value to our shareholders.

For instance, we are planning to hit between 3000 and 5000 towers in the coming three to five years. We know this is going to require a lot of work but there is already a demand for growth. We believe we are in the right position to tap into that. With the advent of 5G technology, there is going to be high demand for towers.

I saw a report once that says six times the current number of towers are needed for 5G deployment. 

Those are base stations. There is still going to be a need for fibre connectivity because 5G requires a lot of boosting such that the connection can be close together and the way they work becomes very efficient.

To do that, there are going to be a lot of inbuilt solutions; a lot of outdoor dial systems and power for its deployment. We are ready to get into that space and provide premium services to our customers.

TE: What is your assessment of the Nigerian telecoms infrastructure market vis-à-vis challenges such as multiple taxation and theft?

Azeez Amida: When it comes to financing Infrastructure, I will say multiple taxation and fees poses a huge threat to the growth of the Nigerian telecom market. There should be a uniform tax system, and the same should apply to fees. Taxes are essential to providing funding for infrastructure, it is important for the growth of any society. But taxing and levying businesses multiple times inhibits growth.  

This is where regulation is needed to streamline the tax system and other fees for towercos, Theft is a huge threat to the growth of the telecoms market because there is already an infrastructure deficit capped at 136 billion dollars and we need an additional 40,000 towers to be able to close that gap.

Stealing and vandalising telecom equipment is very detrimental to the growth of the telecom industry in Nigeria. In fact, according to a report published by the Guardian in August 2019, the NCC reported that there were 33,000 cases of vandalism and outright theft between June 2017 and August 2018 which resulted in a 35% rate of vandalism and theft of telecom infrastructure in a year.

Another report published by Punch stated that as a result of the incessant vandalism and theft of telecom equipment, broadband subscriptions had dropped by 9.8 million subscribers between December 2020 and October 2o21.

Theft is a huge challenge affecting the growth of the Nigerian telecom industry.  Despite these challenges, I will say the growth of the market has been rapid, even though a lot of this growth came through acquisitions and not organic growth strategies.

TE: You briefly mentioned 5G earlier. Can you put some light on this in terms of its infrastructure demand and how Pan African Towers fits into the equation?

Azeez Amida: 5G is a broad concept. For me, I think we should stick to the passive end of it which is what we can do. The passive end of it is introducing a lot more towers to support its deployment. You know in the days of 2G, we had very tall towers like 70 meters or more. When 3G came, the height came down because the better the frequency, the closer you need to get to the ground until you get to the fibre line and that is the way to think about it.

2G was up in the air, 3G became shorter, 4G followed the same trend and now 5G is coming further down. The reason for that is that you are reducing the line of sight.

In 2G, there is a line of sight to ensure that a tower is tall enough to see the next one. Now, you are connecting sites through shorter waves. So, it is a bit easier to get them to speak to each other.

The connection becomes faster and the potential to build a smart city becomes a lot broader.

Yes! 5G is something we are looking into and we do not just want to wait for the time it kicks off, we want to start looking at scenarios where we can say we are leading the industry in that area. 5G changes everything, and as a digital infrastructure provider, we are seriously looking into that space.

TE: You talk about your vision to boast of between 3,000 to 5,000 towers in the medium time. What level currently are you and where are they located apart from Nigeria?

Azeez Amida: Currently, we run 1,000 sites and we mostly are focusing on Nigeria now. And as you may be aware, there is a merger that just got concluded between SWAP Plc and Pan African Towers. That is to ensure that the Nigerian PAT focuses a lot on the Nigerian assets.

There are a lot of growth opportunities in Nigeria and we want to take care of that first. As soon as that is there, we can then start focusing on other areas where there are opportunities to deliver good value to our shareholders.

It is not just about building towers; it is more about having the right return to your shareholders at the end of the day.

TE: Telecom operators have always complained about the issue of electricity in powering base stations and this contributes to downtime several times. Are there new innovative ways PAT is adopting to overcome this challenge?

Azeez Amida: Yes. that is very correct. But we have a specific model called the ESCO model and it is a scenario where we use a lot of green energy to generate power. We have done a lot of testing around it and we are now confident that we can roll it out fully. Now we are looking at going green on all our sites.

Our current target is to have up to a 50% reduction in our carbon usage by the end of this year or towards the middle of next year. That is one of the key priorities that we have. We had our first gas site go live about a week ago.

The aim is to ensure that we are not burning fossil fuels like every other operator in the market. We want to bring all our sites to green energy and that is one of our key focuses. Apart from power, theft is another challenge towercos face while running their sites.

I think theft is always one of those problems you have to deal with. It is like you cannot run away from it, but you can minimise it.

So, we are weighing our options in terms of security to ensure that we raise the safety standard of the sites. From ensuring that the security on site is held accountable, to making sure that the people responsible for the operations are also held accountable. From there, going hard on any form of theft will go a long way to fostering growth in the telecom business in Nigeria. In one of the communications to the team, I was very clear that we have zero tolerance for theft. So, all cases of theft are being taken seriously.

TE: Having overseen tower operations in other African countries, what have you observed as disparity between those countries and Nigeria?

Azeez Amida: Well, I will say there is very little difference, except that perhaps some of them have more electricity  than others. The real thing is that all of them have similar problems. For instance, you still need to have proper regulations in all the countries. Things may even be harder in other African countries. However, there is a lot of correlation.

They all face  down time here and there and some agencies are  there to freeze the sites overnight and all that. It is a lot of work in all the sites. But at the same time, all you can do is to ensure that you provide an environment where your sites can continue to run so that you will not end up providing horrible services to your customers.

To do that, we are equipping our engineers more to be able to get to sites on time to tend to all the issues at hand. So, the same issues will always be applicable to towercos no matter which market you are in.

In western countries like the US or UK, the challenges here may not be practically applicable there, but in Africa, I think the issues are always the same.

TE: Which policy areas would you say the government should intensify efforts to further propel development in the market?

Azeez Amida: To start with, the passage of the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) bill is still a paramount one. I think it is still important that you have it in place to protect telecom infrastructures in the country. Vandals, thieves and other social situations could render a site not viable for business and as such you may be required to relocate your sites.

Relocating a site takes a lot of time and other resources.  We cannot continue to have cases where perhaps because of social issues like community protests, vandalism and theft prevents you from having, access to your sites. We need to as much as possible operate in an environment where government’s laws and policies are adhered to and people could feel that telecoms infrastructures are very important for their survival. The CNI would reduce the rate of vandalism and theft. Therefore, the passage of the pending CNI bill is extremely important for the growth of the telecom market in Nigeria.

Secondly, in this kind of industry where you have very large and very small companies, it is important that regulations focus on not discouraging the growth of the small companies but providing equal opportunities for growth. I like healthy competitions. I adore competition but it is important that it is regulated so we do not really witch-hunt each other.

I particularly believe these two policies are critical to improving the sector. I will not call the second concern a policy but a call to regulation on the way business is done in the industry so equal opportunities are available for both big and small companies.

TE: What should we expect from Pan African Towers in the medium Term, what and which other countries are you looking at for your expansion plans?

Azeez Amida: Well, I do not limit growth to demographics. I limit growth to returns and numbers. What I can tell you is that in three years, we will have Pan-African Towers at a minimum of 3000 to 5000 towers. Where we are, does not really mean anything if we are producing the same returns. We could be in U.S. South Africa or we could be anywhere. All we can ensure is that there are going to be profitable towers that will return proper amount of value to our shareholders. One of the benefits of doing business with us, is that we have access to the local capital market.

We can always raise funds. We have the support of our stakeholders and we can provide a lot of local contents pricing Towers to operators. I believe we are one of the very few companies in Nigeria giving full naira contracts. Almost every other company produce contents that are in dollars which basically introduces an FX rate to the operators. But for us, we want to do local contents for our customers and give them naira contracts.

Coupled with that, we are now having a very strong refurbishment plan across our sites to make sure that we can provide top-notch services and still give them prices that cannot be matched anywhere else.