Advancing Nigeria’s telecommunication infrastructure

In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Tony Emoekpere, the President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, expressed his approval of the government's decision to realign the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project to protect submarine cables. Emoekpere highlighted the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure along the coast to prevent disruptions that could impact the economy. He emphasized the need for proactive consultation with telco operators to integrate cable infrastructure seamlessly into road construction projects. Emoekpere advocated for the inclusion of docks in road designs to accommodate various types of infrastructure, such as power cables, gas lines, and fiber optic cables. By incorporating these elements from the outset, potential disruptions can be minimized, ensuring uninterrupted services. Emoekpere commended the government for initiating policies to support the telecom sector's growth and underscored the importance of implementing these policies effectively. He cited the announcement of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for a 90,000-kilometer fiber project as a positive step towards enhancing telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria. Looking ahead, Emoekpere urged the government to prioritize industry growth by granting Critical National Infrastructure Status to the telecom sector. He emphasized the significance of attracting investments and suggested a tariff adjustment to incentivize investors. Emoekpere also addressed the issue of multiple taxes, advocating for a review to streamline taxation and eliminate arbitrary levies that hinder sector development. Despite the challenges, Emoekpere remained optimistic about the telecom sector's potential for expansion. He emphasized the importance of extending communication infrastructure to underserved areas to drive economic growth and enhance services like e-health and financial inclusion. Emoekpere urged policymakers to translate existing policies into concrete actions to sustain the sector's positive trajectory. As Nigeria's telecommunications industry continues to evolve, Emoekpere's insights shed light on the strategic imperatives necessary to propel growth and foster a robust digital ecosystem.