The company’s position on the matter is following key discussions at the 8th Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFO) National Dig-Once Event held in Lagos, recently.

The forum, themed “Accelerating Nigeria’s Digital Backbone: Dig-Once Policy, Project BRIDGE and Strategies for Effective Fibre Deployment,” brought together industry stakeholders to address inefficiencies in broadband rollout and the growing rate of network disruptions across the country.

In his keynote address on the day, President of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Emoekpere, reinforced the need for improved execution of existing policies.

“We have strong policies in place, but execution remains our biggest challenge. The dig-once framework presents a clear opportunity to reduce inefficiencies, minimise service disruptions, and optimise infrastructure investment across the sector,” he said.

Speaking at the forum, Dr Olusola Teniola, director, Strategic Business Initiatives, ipNX, emphasized the importance of aligning infrastructure development with Nigeria’s digital ambitions.

“The future of Nigeria’s digital economy depends on how efficiently we deploy and protect our fibre infrastructure. A coordinated dig-once approach is not just a cost-saving mechanism; it is a strategic imperative that ensures resilience, scalability, and sustainability of our networks. At ipNX, we believe that collaboration between public and private stakeholders is critical to unlocking the full value of broadband connectivity across the country” he said.

A major highlight of the discussions was the revelation that road construction accounts for approximately 60 per cent of telecom network outages in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated “dig-once” approach.

The policy advocates the installation of fibre ducts during road construction or rehabilitation, enabling multiple operators to deploy infrastructure without repeated excavation.

On the first panel session, “Who Digs, Who Deploys, Who Protects: Developing the Ultimate Framework for Aligning Roles in Sustainable Fibre Expansion” deputy director, Strategic Business Initiatives, ipNX, Segun Okuneye, highlighted the shared responsibility required to safeguard critical telecom infrastructure.

“Protecting fibre infrastructure must be a collective effort involving government, operators, and local communities. While regulatory frameworks such as the Critical National Information Infrastructure designation are steps in the right direction, enforcement and awareness remain key to reducing the frequency of fibre cuts and ensuring service continuity for millions of Nigerians,” he noted.

Stakeholders at the forum collectively identified several critical issues and recommendations for improving fibre deployment in Nigeria, including, the adoption of shared infrastructure models to reduce duplication and unnecessary road excavation and leveraging emerging technologies, including real-time fibre monitoring systems, to improve fault detection and response times

The discussions also highlighted the gap between Nigeria’s existing broadband capacity and actual utilisation, with significant infrastructure still under-leveraged due to distribution and access challenges.

ipNX reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance connectivity, drive digital inclusion, and enable sustainable infrastructure development. As a pioneer in Nigeria’s broadband FTTH ecosystem, the company continues to advocate for policies and partnerships that will strengthen the nation’s digital backbone and unlock new opportunities across sectors.

The first phase of the exercise, which commenced at Toyin Street, Ikeja, and adjoining streets, revealed widespread cases of improperly deployed over-the-air fibre cables, with several cables found dangerously hanging on gates, utility poles, gutters, and bare floors.

Some of the exposed cables were observed to be live and hanging dangerously close to the ground, posing risks to public safety, environmental aesthetics, and telecom service quality.

Speaking during the exercise, Mr. Tunji Jimoh, Zonal Controller of the NCC Lagos Zonal Office, said the initiative forms part of nationwide efforts to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure and improve quality of service delivery.

Represented by Mr. Deji Roberts, Assistant Director at NCC, Jimoh expressed concern over the poor manner in which some telecom infrastructure had been deployed across parts of Lagos.

“The Commission is concerned about the manner these telecom infrastructures are deployed. Neglecting them exposes critical infrastructure to damage and can negatively impact quality of service delivery to subscribers,” he said.

He noted that the exercise is a national initiative currently piloted in Lagos State and commended LASIMRA for its collaboration and support toward sanitising the environment and ensuring proper infrastructure redeployment.

Jimoh also assured residents and subscribers that the cleanup and redeployment process would not disrupt telecom services within the affected areas.

Also speaking, Mr. Akinbiyi Akindipe, Head of Monitoring and Enforcement at LASIMRA, described the exercise as evidence of the Agency’s commitment to maintaining a “human-face” regulatory approach while ensuring compliance with infrastructure standards.

According to him, allowing telecom infrastructure to remain improperly deployed would continue to affect network service quality, public safety, and the urban environment.

“Lagos State under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu places high priority on the protection of critical national infrastructure. However, improper deployment of such infrastructure must be addressed,” he said.

Akindipe added that LASIMRA was giving operators, through ATCON, the opportunity to urgently correct identified infractions before enforcement actions become necessary.

He stressed that the Agency was not in a hurry to impose sanctions but insisted that operators must take immediate responsibility for redeploying infrastructure according to approved standards.

On his part, Mr. Segun Okuneye, chairman of the ATCON Clean-up Committee, said the exercise demonstrates the telecommunications industry’s commitment to supporting environmental sustainability and improving the aesthetics of Lagos State.

“The telecommunications industry remains committed to supporting initiatives that create a cleaner, safer, and more organised environment for residents and businesses across Lagos State,” he said.

Okuneye disclosed that ATCON would convene an urgent industry-wide stakeholders’ meeting to develop a comprehensive roadmap for correcting legacy infrastructure deployment issues and preventing future occurrences.

He further urged Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and telecom operators to strictly comply with laid-down infrastructure deployment procedures and assured regulators of ATCON members’ readiness to collaborate fully with NCC and LASIMRA throughout the exercise.

The cleanup exercise attracted participation from several telecom infrastructure and service providers, including Galaxy Backbone Limited, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, FibreOne, TNL, ipNX, IHS Nigeria, OneData, African Data Centres, and other industry players.

The initiative is expected to continue across different parts of Lagos State as regulators and industry stakeholders intensify efforts to improve infrastructure standards, public safety, environmental orderliness, and telecom service reliability.

]]> https://techeconomy.ng/exclusive-ncc-lasimra-atcon-begin-telecom-infrastructure-cleanup-exercise-in-lagos/feed/ 0 https://techeconomy.ng/ipnx-calls-for-unified-action-on-telecom-growth-power/ https://techeconomy.ng/ipnx-calls-for-unified-action-on-telecom-growth-power/#respond Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:00:37 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=180215 ipNX, a Nigeria-based information and communications technology company, has once again emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among telecommunications operators, enhanced government support, and critical infrastructure reforms to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

This call was made by Oluseyi Lala, ipNX’s Divisional CEO, IpNX Business, at the recently concluded Nigeria Telecoms Forum.

Speaking during a panel session titled “Securing the Digital Backbone: Cyber Resilience and Data Protection in the Age of 5G and Cloud,” Lala highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving telecom landscape.

As the industry embraces advanced technologies such as 5G and cloud computing, he stressed that safeguarding digital infrastructure must remain a top priority.

He emphasized that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across the ecosystem, warning against the common assumption that vendors or infrastructure providers have already guaranteed system-wide protection.

According to him, this mindset creates vulnerabilities, as effective security depends on coordinated vigilance and accountability from all stakeholders.

“Cybersecurity is no longer optional, it is fundamental to the sustainability of our industry. A unified and coordinated approach to threat detection and response will significantly enhance our ability to protect critical telecom infrastructure,” Lala said.

He further noted that collaboration among operators, regulators, and security agencies is essential to effectively mitigate risks and ensure service continuity. Lala also commended the Federal Government, particularly through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), for establishing a committee dedicated to responding to cyber threats within the sector.

Beyond cybersecurity, discussions at the forum highlighted a pressing structural challenge: power supply. Industry stakeholders called for a state of emergency on power, describing it as a critical enabler for telecom growth.

Reliable electricity remains fundamental to network expansion, service quality, and cost efficiency, with operators continuing to bear the heavy burden of self-generation.

The forum also explored the financial realities facing telecom operators, particularly in light of recent currency devaluation. Participants stressed the need for companies to adopt more robust and transparent business models to attract long-term capital.

The volatility of the naira has made multilateral institutions, including organizations such as the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), more cautious about extending long-term financing to the sector.

To address this, stakeholders pointed to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies as a critical lever. Embracing ESG principles was identified as a “winning play” for telecom companies, not only enhancing brand credibility but also improving access to green funds and attracting foreign investment increasingly tied to sustainability benchmarks.

Jamiu Ijaodola, convener of the Nigeria Telecoms Forum, underscored the importance of collaboration in tackling these multifaceted challenges.

“The telecom sector is at a pivotal point where collaboration is no longer a choice but a necessity. Forums like this provide an opportunity for stakeholders to align priorities, share insights, and collectively build a more secure, resilient, and future-ready digital ecosystem for Nigeria,” he said.

In addition, discussions reinforced the need for an enabling regulatory environment that supports infrastructure investment, innovation, and long-term sector stability, in alignment with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation goals.

ipNX reaffirmed its commitment to driving industry collaboration and advocating for policies that support sustainable growth.

With stronger partnerships between operators, investors, and government institutions, and urgent attention to power, capital access, and cybersecurity, Nigeria’s telecom sector is well-positioned to achieve greater resilience, improved service delivery, and expanded digital access nationwide.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key insights included:

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

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

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

Key insights included:

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

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

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

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

The project was formally unveiled at a kickoff ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat Complex, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, drawing top government officials, technology partners, and key stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the executive governor of Abia State, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to harnessing technology to strengthen governance, unlock economic opportunities, and enhance public service delivery across the state.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otti highlighted the strategic importance of the project, stating that this initiative is a game-changer for Abia State.

“A strong digital infrastructure is the backbone of modern governance, economic development, and social transformation. By launching this project, we are taking a bold step towards making Abia a smart, connected, and technologically driven state. Our goal is to ensure that businesses, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies all benefit from seamless and high-speed connectivity,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Ejovi Aror, group managing director of ipNX, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti and the people of Abia State for the opportunity to contribute to the state’s digital transformation agenda, emphasizing the critical role of connectivity in fostering economic development, enabling businesses, and improving public service delivery.

“Today is a significant milestone, not just for ipNX but for Abia State and Nigeria as a whole. At ipNX, we believe that technology is the bridge that connects communities, empowers businesses, and enhances governance. Through this project, Abia State will take the lead in digital transformation, ensuring that citizens, businesses, and government institutions are interconnected like never before,” he stated.

With over two decades of experience, ipNX has pioneered cutting-edge digital infrastructure in Nigeria, including the deployment of Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and secure ICT solutions for both the private and public sectors.

The company has a strong track record of providing world-class broadband connectivity and managed network services to businesses, government agencies, and residential customers across the country.

The Abia State Internet, Wide Area Network & Managed Network Services Project is expected to provide seamless and secure digital connectivity across government institutions, businesses, and public services.

This initiative will significantly boost efficiency in governance, education, healthcare, and commerce, positioning Abia State as a front-runner in Nigeria’s digital economy.

Themed “The Shining Stars,” the event celebrated excellence in PR and communications, with CMC CONNECT LLP taking home two of the night’s most prestigious honours: PR Agency of the Year and Model Agency of All Time, wining these for the umpteenth time.

The celebration comes as the agency marks a remarkable year of growth, securing several high-profile clients, including British Council Nigeria, IHS Towers Nigeria, Digital Jewels Africa, ipNX, and IPRFZ, among others—solidifying its position as a trusted partner for impactful, data-driven campaigns.

These new wins bring the firm’s total client portfolio for the year to a record-breaking number, reflecting its unwavering commitment to excellence, creativity, and measurable results.

Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Comfort Obot Nwankwo, chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), highlighted the transformative power of public relations. “Public Relations is not just a profession; it is a force for good,” she said, emphasizing PR’s role in advancing ethics, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Reflecting on the awards, the Lead Partner of the firm, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya said, “These accolades affirm our commitment to excellence, creativity, and innovation. At CMC Connect, we are passionate about crafting impactful narratives, and we are proud to collaborate with clients like Airtel Nigeria, IHS Nigeria, British Council among others to deliver campaigns that resonate and inspire.”

The agency’s client, Airtel Nigeria, also emerged victorious, winning, Environment and Sustainability PR Award for the Baadun Beach Clean-Up Campaign and Excellence in Internal Communication and Employee Engagement.

The Chairman of the LaPRIGA Selection Panel, Mr. Muyiwa Akintunde, lauded the rigor of the evaluation process, which assessed 81 entries across 21 categories, with nominees demonstrating exceptional creativity, strategy, and measurable impact.

The award ceremony also saw wins from other individuals and organisations including, Rector Cares Limited, clinching Best in Corporate Social Responsibility, Ifeoluwa Ariyo-Agbaje as Best in Technology Public Relations, Indigo Integrated Ltd as Best Brand in Storytelling, amongst others.

CMC CONNECT stellar year highlights its ability to stay ahead of industry trends while maintaining a sharp focus on social relevance and strategic impact. These accolades not only elevate the firm but also underscore the strides being made across Nigeria’s PR landscape in fostering global best practices.

As the 2024, LaPRIGA Awards concluded, CMC CONNECT stood tall as a beacon of innovation and excellence, inspiring PR professionals across Africa. The agency’s accolades serve as a testament to the power of creativity, professionalism, and vision in transforming narratives and driving societal impact.

The collaboration between Semicolon Africa and ipNX Nigeria Limited will facilitate an efficient learning experience for aspiring tech professionals.

Through the leverage of ipNX’s expertise in providing affordable and dependable internet services, Semicolon Africa aims to empower its diverse community of learners, which includes techpreneurs and startup founders. Semicolon Africa is set to push the next generation of tech leaders in Nigeria to global scale.

Chibuzo Ekejiuba, the Academic Lead at Semicolon Africa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the significance of high-quality internet connectivity in shaping the future of tech education.

He emphasized the inevitability of reliable internet access for learners to explore the vast opportunities within the tech sector and develop the essential skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving industry.

Semicolon Africa’s community, comprising over 700 software engineers, is expected to benefit significantly from this collaboration. Ekejiuba affirmed that the partnership with ipNX Nigeria Limited will create an environment conducive to learning and problem-solving, enabling Semicolon Africa to address challenges faced by local and global businesses effectively.

Mrs. Folashade Efiong-Bassey, the Group Executive Director of Human Resources and Corporate Services at ipNX Nigeria Limited, highlighted the company’s goal to drive Nigeria’s technology ecosystem forward.

She noted the importance of education and information access as fundamental drivers of development. Through this initiative, ipNX Nigeria Limited is investing in the nation’s future by offering affordable internet access to aspiring tech professionals and budding entrepreneurs.

Efiong-Bassey further stated that this collaboration exemplifies ipNX’s dedication to creating opportunities for the next generation of innovators and leaders, ensuring that the innovative power of technology remains accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

This partnership between ipNX Nigeria Limited and Semicolon Africa is a shared mission to advance technology and nurture talent in Nigeria.

In bridging the digital divide and providing valuable resources to tech enthusiasts, the collaboration brings about a diverse and innovative generation of software engineers in the country, championing a new phase of technological advancement and opportunity.

This call was made during the panel session at the Telecoms Sector Sustainability Forum organized by Business Remarks media platform held on Thursday, July 4 2022 in Lagos State.

Expressing his views, Mr Micheal Ayoade, the Chief Executive Officier of Dotmac Technologies, tasked ATCON for more advocacy as regards issues militating against their survival and growth in the industry.

According to Ayoade, ISPs are charged a higher rate than others for Right of Way in most states.

Using Lagos State as an example, he said license operators pay a cheaper rate compared to ISPs, who are charged ten times more than the agreed N145 per meter rate linear for RoW.

He said ISPs lack unified backup to fight their cause and push for the agreed rate from the state government and taxes demanded by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Speaking on improving quality of service through laying of fibres and cables, Ayoade emphasized that without ATCON speaking for them in the industry, the cost overhead carried by individual company for survival will eventually lead to their untimely death.

“Collaborations among ISPs is important but not very straightforward because each Internet Service Providers determine their price structure through cost incurred, keeping manpower and other business risks”.

On his part, Mr Tony Emoekpere, the Managing Director for MangoNet Integrated Technologies, said the ISPs sub-sector is too fragmented to scale up. He berated the fact that ISPs players are close to 1000 in number.

Emoekpere said this shows that indigenous players do not understand the market terrain.

“Local content is a real challenge. The telecommunications business is a long-time investment which requires continuous investment and pressure to upgrade infrastructure.

“You don’t have to own all the infrastructures to provide service. In Orlando, there are just three major ISPs. Foreign companies are taking advantage of this market because they understand the value of collaboration with key players and their area of strength”.

Sharing views Ayoade, FiberOne Broadband Head of Sales and Marketing, Mr Kehinde Joda stated that multiple taxations, high cost of RoW, and operating in silos kill small businesses in the ISPs sub-sector.

While charging the umbrella body, ATCON on more advocacy, Joda said the sub-sector lacks necessary support. There are different tiers of the banking system such as some finance houses and microfinance banks supporting other industries.

Speaking further during the panel session, he said although there is excess capacity landing at the sea shores, there is a need for last-mile internet connectivity in the hinterlands.

He also decried the high cost of fuel, vandalism, activities of street thugs, and mobile network operators disruption as part of the challenges ISPs face.

“There will be healthy competition, pricing and collaborations if the Nigerian Communications Commission can make the right policies for ISPs sustainability”, Joda noted.

Also, Mr Muyiwa Ogungboye, eStream Networks CEO, represented by Mr Martins Akingba berated the lack of governmental support for the ISPs sub-sector in the telecommunications industry.

He highlighted that the government has not fulfilled its part towards ISPs’ sub-sector growth and sustainability. He, therefore, owns the present existence of ISPs to the resilience and ingenuity of businessmen in Nigeria.

In his words, “there is a certain level of investment needed to be made by the government, that was never made. The government have done nothing to sustain this industry. There is no National Network Backbone for the ISPs to build on. 

Akingba noted that the National Infrastructure was built by the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) who are private business owners.

Moreso, the eStream Boss said it is quite unfortunate that the market takes advantage of the sub-sector because it is too fragmented. NCC needs to step in for ISPs’ growth.

In addition, he stressed the struggle with human capital flight and the huge brain drain in the industry.

He, therefore, urged others to rethink their business models, innovate and become more agile for sustainability and profitability unless they will be forced out of business by the activities of the MNOs. 

Akingba further tasked the ISPs to expand into the West African coast, leverage on the opportunities made available to them and also think of sustainability strategies for growth.

Mr Chidi Ajuzie, WTES Projects Limited Chief Operating Officer (COO), said the ISPs are struggling because of the regulatory and licensing framework. According to him communities ISPs cannot survive this terrain.

“ISPs in the United States and other countries survive because there is a universal player and universal infrastructure environment in existence. NCC, the government and others concerned need to build a National Uniform Infrastructure”.

He urged ISPs players to become more familiar with industry trends and initiatives both locally and globally to sustain their growth.

Ajuzie also harps on collaboration with players who already own infrastructures for efficiency and faster growth.

ipNX CEO, Segun Okuneye stated that the regulator, NCC needs to watch and support the industry sub-sector to ensure its survival in terms of infrastructures, pricing and creating enabling environment.

“NCC have an obligation to ensure its licensees survival irrespective of the activities of the MNOs. It is sad that states government are missing it when they focused only on increasing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) because when they forced the ISPs out of business, unfortunately unemployment increase, taxes unpaid and so many things lost.”

Okuneye also advised ISPs to invest wisely and leverage of other backbone to grow and survive.

Mr Lanre Olanrewaju, Equinoxcore Technology CEO, lamented the huge decline in turnover, subscriber base, challenges the struggle ISP face and the ever-changing policies.

In her opening speech, Mrs. Bukola Olanrewaju, the convener of the Forum and Managing Editor of Business Remarks, said: “Over the years, studies have shown that the licence renewal rate of ISPs in Nigeria continues to drop, even as others take up the licence. In view of the critical need for internet connectivity for the digital economy and for mass digitalisation of Nigeria, the role of ISPs is central also for uptake of internet of things (IoT).”

Internet Service Providers in the Nigerian telecommunications industry have been struggling to stay afloat due to challenges confronting their market to remain in business, expand operations and post profit every financial year. In line with the above, findings also showed that most of the ISPs who served the enterprise market lost revenue during the pandemic because their services were cancelled or suspended, despite procuring wholesale capacity,” she noted.

The event enjoyed the sponsorship and participation of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), Skymax Integrated Network Limited, IPNX, eStream Networks, WTES Projects Limited, MangoNet Integrated Technologies, FibreOne Broadband, Dotmac Technologies, ICSL and NITDA.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC’s) industry statistics, the total number of connected subscribers reached three hundred and fifty-one thousand, eight hundred and seventeen (351,817).

An Internet service provider (ISP) is an organisation that provides services for accessing, using, or participating in the Internet.

Internet service providers can be organised in various forms, such as commercial, community-owned, non-profit, or otherwise privately owned.

Internet services typically provided by ISPs can include Internet access, Internet transit, domain name registration, web hosting, Usenet service, and colocation.

An ISP typically serves as the access point or the gateway that provides a user, access to everything available on the Internet.

TechEconomy.ng Intelligence Unit’s findings show the total number of active subscribers by the ISPs increased to one hundred and ninety-eight thousand and ninety (198,090) which is thirty thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine (30,999) higher than the one hundred and sixty-seven thousand, and ninety-one (167,091) recorded as at August 2020.

The NCC’s statistics also shows the 72 top Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have a total of 1879 Points-of-Presence (PoP).

In this report by TechEconomy.ng, we listed the top 20 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with regards to the number of connected and active subscribers per individual internet service provider (ISP). The statistics are drawn from the latest industry report on the NCC website:

1. Spectranet

Spectranet leads the top 20 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria. The company was awarded a License from 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.

The ISP has 119,612 active subscribers during the period under review. This shows a decrease of about 16,113 when compared to 135,725 it recorded in 2020. The point of presence reduced from 632 it had in 2020 to 629 in 2021.

2. Tizeti

In today’s digital ecosystem, telecommunication has become the foundation for businesses, governments, communities, and families to seamlessly connect and share information.

Unfortunately, access to the internet is still patchy across the African continent. Only 43% of Africa is on the internet, which is approximately 590 million of the population of 1.37 Billion.

One company really positioned to disrupt this market is Tizeti launched 7 years ago.  Tizeti came on stream at the time many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are dead or dying.

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.

In 2021, Tizeti recorded 21,224 connected subscribers which is less than 21,655 in recorded in 2020. However, the active subscribers increased from 11,195 in 2020 to 15,790 last year. Surprisingly, the point of presence is now 1, compared to 109 in 2020.

3. IPNX

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 15, 582 connected subscribers; 11,107 active subscribers with two Points of Presence.

4. Astramix Ltd

Astramix Limited is an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) firm licensed by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for Internet Service Providing.

Information about the company is very scanty on the Internet. But statistics by the Nigerian Communications Commission shows that Astramix Limited has 15,001 connected subscribers with 10,001 active subscribers across       6 Points of Presence.

5. VDT Communications

VDT 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 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 6,814.

6. Cyberspace Network Ltd

Let’s tell you about Cyberspace as one of the leading ISPs in Nigeria. In 2014, it was 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 7,930 connected subscribers; 5,710 active subscribers in     9 Points of Presence.

7. 21st Century Limited:

21st Century Technologies Limited (21CTL) is a Licensed Information Communications and Technology Services provider, fully mobilized and well positioned to build converged multi-service and efficiently managed networks nationwide.

21st Century Technologies Limited has its corporate head office at Plot 249A Muri Okunola Street, Victoria Island Extension with branches nationwide.

The company has its eyes on creating a worry-free communications network that meets the customers’ IT challenges and overall business goals. 21st Century Technologies has 5,315 connected subscribers and 2,601 active subscribers. It has 3 Points of Presence.

8. Broadbased Communications

Broadbased Communications Limited has distinguished itself as one of the top 20 Internet Service Providers in Nigeria. The company is a leading operator of open access Metropolitan Fiber Optic Network covering all the major business districts in Lagos.

Consequently the company provides Fiber Optic Network connectivity for Mobile Network Operators, 4G Network Operators, all the Submarine Cable Landing Stations, all Major Internet Service Providers, all Data Centers, Nigeria Internet Exchange Point, major Global Telecom Operators, all the Banks, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, all Electronic Payment Switching and Processing companies, Oil Companies, major Corporate firms and Residential Estates in partnership with other Telecom Service Providers in each Estate.

The company also provides International Voice, Data and SMS Gateway Services, National Voice Services, Internet Services and Wholesale Value Added Services (VAS Aggregator Services).

Broadbased Communications has 3,700 connected subscribers; 3,500 active subscribers and 1 Point of Presence.

9. Cobranet Ltd

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. It has 3268 connected subscribers of which all are active and it has 1 Point of Presence.

10. Suburban Fiber Company Limited

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 December 2021, Suburban Fiber Company Limited, has 3,200 connected subscribers. All the subscribers are active according to NCC statistics. The company has 3 Points of Presence.

11. Radical Technology Network Ltd

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. With 2,260 Connected Subscribers, Coollink.ng has 2,260 active subscribers across 6 Points of Presence.

12. MainOne Cable

MainOne is a household name as a broadband infrastructure in West Africa. Through its Global Internet Access (GIA) Service, MainOne provides your business with secure and direct access to the internet across the globe. The platform offers direct access to MainOne’s submarine cable system.

The network is directly peered with local and leading global Internet Exchange Points as well as Tier-1 networks. This service supports applications that require access to, and from the Internet in real-time. It enables employees and external stakeholders share information via reliable, fast and secure access to the global internet.

MainOne has achieved many feats as one of the top 20 Internet Service Providers; a topnotch broadband infrastructure company providing innovative telecoms services and network solutions across West Africa.

Since its launch in 2010, MainOne has developed a reputation for providing highly reliable services to major telecom operators, ISPs, government agencies, small to large enterprises, and educational institutions in West Africa.

MainOne also owns a data centre subsidiary, MDXi which builds and operates Tier III data centres across West Africa. MainOne has 1,569 connected subscribers and all of them are active subscribers. It has 6 Points of Presence.

13. Dotmac Technologies Ltd

Dotmac Technologies Ltd is a top Internet Service Provider in Abuja, delivering broadband internet via Fiber to the Home Technology.

The company was established in 2008, as an experienced ICT company with a wide range of services that are designed to improve and optimize the services of the clients. These include:  Network services, Broadband Internet, VSAT, MPLS, Cloud services, etc.

Through its dynamic service provisioning, Dotmac Technologies proffers IT solutions and services to meet business needs which require extremely flexible solutions.

Therefore, the ability to always provide a specific solution is its greatest asset. This is done every single time by incorporating its project management skills with the knowledge and expertise of technology that has been tested and proven.

As a Gold partner of NigComSat, Dotmac is Licensed by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) with membership in the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).

Dotmac Technologies boasts of 1,413 connected subscribers; 1,149 are active subscribers across its 5 Points of Presence.

14. Hyperia Ltd

Hyperia is a member of CIS & Chagoury group of companies and one of the oldest names in the African Internet space, having achieved its license in Nigeria since 1997.

Hyperia has its Head Quarters in VI, Lagos and branch offices in several cities in Nigeria. CIS Group, a prominent name in the IT space has its presence in 42 counties in Africa.

As Nigeria’s first Internet Backbone service provider, Hyperia is dedicated to providing low cost and easy access to the Internet, using the very latest in Internet technology.

Knowing the peculiar environment in which it operates, Hyperia has put in place a dependable and secure network making use of ‘state of the art’ equipment, thereby forming a most reliable Internet Backbone, first of its kind in Nigeria. Hyperia has 1,358 connected subscribers who are also active subscribers across the 4 Points of Presence.

15. Inq. Digital Nigeria Limited

Inq. Digital’s experience in African telecommunications spans over two decades and today, it connects over 1200 of the continent’s largest and leading corporations in over 40 countries.

Inq. Digital Nigeria Limited works closely with multinationals in all sectors of African commerce – from banking and finance, oil and gas, mining and construction right through to retail and distribution , as well as tourism.

Headquartered in Mauritius, Inq. Digital were founded in 2013 as a Convergence Partners company, which is an investment management firm focused on the Technology, Media and Telecommunications sector in Africa.

Through its Connect Fibre, Connect Wireless, Connect Satellite and Red Unlimited services, Inq. Digital Nigeria Limited keeps your business connected at the speed of light, ensuring your business is always on, responsive and ready to make the most of emerging opportunities.

Statistics-wise, Inq. Digital Nigeria Limited has 1,206 connected subscribers. All the subscribers are active and spread across 28 Points of Presence.

16. Internet Solutions Nigeria Ltd

Internet Solutions Nigeria Ltd. (ISN) is another Systems Integrator & Internet Service provider serving a diverse client base in various sectors in Nigeria and West Africa.

Since Inception in 1997, ISN continues to provide specialized services to organizations which include multinationals, local corporations and residential clients.

The company has 2 decades (20 years) of experience delivering high quality ICT services and solutions. Its coverage supports the PAN-Nigerian clients with the core network build backed up via multiple carriers.

ISN specializes in providing satellite, fixed and wireless, customized networks, Web design and Hosting, network infrastructure and software solutions.

With 846 connected subscribers who are active, ISN has two Points of Presence.

17. 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.

With its Residential/SME, and Enterprise/business/institution plans you can be assured of internet service coverage to meet your connectivity needs.

I-World Networks also implements and supports various network infrastructure with security, reliability, and quality as business culture. Business and organization constantly grows, the key foundation of our solution stands on scalability, reliability, and security.

It has 847 Connected subscribers. From the number TechEconomy.ng gathered that 629 are active subscribers. I-World Networks has 1 Point of Presence.

18. BrainShare Ltd

Brainshare Technologies was incorporated to solve unquantifiable internet challenges facing teaming internet users in Nigeria.

The company said it is poised to bring in solution-packed initiatives into ICT Industry in Nigeria. Brainshare Technologies intends to achieve this initiative through creativity, state of art technology, commitment to excellence, excellence customer satisfaction and undiluted professionalism at all time.

Brainshare offers fibre internet services powered by the NINEXT and web hosting service powered by MYDOT.NG. According to NCC statistics, Brainshare Technologies has 788 connected subscribers. All the subscribers are active across its 6 Points of Presence.

19. IP Express Ltd

IP Express Limited is among the top 20 Internet Service providers in Nigeria. It specializes in network installation, support, and maintenance.

The company is committed to providing affordable high speed Internet connectivity using the best and the latest technology.

IP Express network engineers, designers, and installers are certified and licensed to install internet networks in small businesses, multi-family residences, companies and large institutions such as universities and hospitals.

The Unique Selling Points include Faster Speed, Cheaper Bandwidth Rates, More Data Bonus, Quick Survey & Installation Time, Personalized customer service and Free Trials (P.O.C). IP Express currently has 619 connected subscribers. The active subscribers are 583. It has 52 Points of Presence.

20. Dimension Data Limited

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Johannesburg, At Dimension Data has grown its footprint across the Middle East and Africa. the company is a member of the NTT Ltd. Group, one of the world’s leading technology companies.

Dimension Data has made significant investments in major undersea cables – SEACOM, EASSy, APG, SJC, SMW5, EIG, LION, SAFE, ACE, SAT3, Indocom/KDN, and WACS – providing access to over 500Gbps of international high speed bandwidth. It is one of the largest aggregator of VSAT and last mile. It boasts of 78 points of presence (PoPs) across Middle East and Africa and 4 International PoPs. It has access to 500Gbs of undersea cables and 11000 m2 of data centre space.

Dimension Data empowers companies to expand their cloud and connectivity solutions in new markets through a full portfolio of advanced, end-to-end IT infrastructure services that offer a partnership with competitive, flexible pricing and reach.

According to statistics on NCC’s website, Dimension Data has 664 connected subscribers; 610 active subscribers and 15 Points of Presence.