By V3Edge Media
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is set to shift from consolidation in 2025 to aggressive expansion in 2026, driven by a strategic two-pronged approach: massive fibre optic backbone deployment and satellite-based last-mile connectivity.
Industry bodies such as the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) project a positive outlook, fuelled by rising digital demand, sustained investment, and improving regulatory alignment.
While Nigeria missed its 70 per cent broadband penetration target for December 2025 (reaching only 50.58 per cent in November), data consumption hit a record 1.24 million terabytes in November alone. The figure is expected to rise significantly when December statistics are released, reflecting festive online activity.
NATCOMS President Deolu Ogunbanjo described 2025 as a year of quality-of-service complaints but expressed optimism for 2026, citing anticipated investments in fibre, satellite, hyperscale data centres, and AI infrastructure.
ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo echoed this sentiment, saying operators look forward to a more stable sector, increased foreign direct investment (FDI), expanded coverage in underserved areas, and improved quality of service (QoS).
Fibre Revolution Under BRIDGE Project
The centrepiece of 2026 growth is the accelerated rollout of the $2 billion Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth (BRIDGE) Project, which aims to create a non-discriminatory national digital backbone.
ATCON President Tony Emoekpere described BRIDGE as a major confidence booster for the industry.
The sector is expected to transition from an estimated 35,000 km of fibre to the commencement of a 90,000 km expansion, bringing the national fibre optic network to approximately 125,000 km.
The new backbone will operate on an open-access, wholesale basis, fostering competition by allowing small and medium-sized ISPs and MNOs to lease capacity fairly and breaking near-monopolies.
Communications Minister Dr Bosun Tijani said 2025 was an inflection year focused on approvals, partnerships, and execution readiness. He stated that 2026 will shift decisively to deployment and impact, with key priorities including expanding connectivity, activating service platforms, deepening talent pipelines, enabling interoperable digital public infrastructure, and translating digital capability into economic growth and improved public services.
The fibre rollout targets all 774 Local Government Area headquarters via Points of Presence (PoPs), acting as distribution hubs to connect essential services such as 38,800 public schools (for e-education) and 16,900 health facilities (for telemedicine).
Satellite Revolution: Bridging the Digital Divide
While fibre addresses density, satellite technology – particularly Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and Direct-to-Device (D2D) services – is positioned as the game-changer for ubiquity and resilience.
The government acknowledges that terrestrial networks often fail to reach rural, riverine, and border communities due to terrain, insecurity, and high deployment costs. Satellite solutions, including NigComSat expansion and LEO providers like Starlink (via agreements with operators like Airtel Africa), aim to connect an estimated 23 million unconnected Nigerians.
Airtel has confirmed that satellite-to-mobile service will begin in 2026 with data for select applications and text messaging, with next-generation satellites offering high-speed broadband connectivity to smartphones.
Starlink Vice President, Sales, Stephanie Bednarek said: “For the first time, people across Africa will stay connected in remote areas where terrestrial coverage cannot reach, and we’re so thrilled that Starlink Direct-to-Cell can power this life-changing service.”
The NCC is prioritising D2D satellite services in its 2025-2030 roadmap, enabling standard mobile phones to connect directly to satellites and eliminate reliance on ground towers in signal blackspots.
The Federal Government also plans to replace NigComSat-1R with new High-Throughput Satellites (HTS) for higher bandwidth and speed, positioning NigComSat as a major player in broadband backhaul and media broadcasting.
Telecom expert Kehinde Aluko said satellite connectivity is vital for network resilience, acting as a fallback during fibre cuts or power outages. He noted that LEO satellites are increasingly used for high-speed backhaul for terrestrial mobile towers in remote locations – a more economical solution than laying fibre to every site.
Challenges include the high cost of user equipment (terminals) and the need for a regulatory framework that encourages collaboration between MNOs and satellite companies, including shared spectrum usage.
More Investments in Data Centres & AI
To support the surge in data activity, the sector is expected to see upgrades and new deployments of data centres.
Africa’s data centre investment market is projected to exceed $6.81 billion by 2030, driven by cloud adoption, subsea capacity, and inland fibre penetration.
Digital Realty Nigeria CEO Ikechukwu Nnamani said Nigeria needs at least 72 edge data centres to power a $1 trillion economy by 2030, stressing collaboration between public and private sectors.
Over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s data infrastructure is concentrated in Lagos, serving only about 10 per cent of the population. Decentralisation is critical for digital competitiveness, real-time processing, and inclusive connectivity.
Edge data centres are crucial for reducing latency in real-time applications like e-commerce, FinTech, and AI.
Securing the Sector with CNI Enforcement
A key feature of 2026 will be visible enforcement of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) designation for telecom assets to protect fibre routes and towers from vandalism.
The NCC reported over 19,000 fibre cut incidents from January to August 2025, with MTN alone recording over 5,400 cuts by July, largely due to sabotage and road construction.
ATCON President Tony Emoekpere said CNI designation signals that telecom investments are national priorities and called for stronger penalties for vandalism and deliberate fibre cuts.
FibreOne Head of Regulatory and PR Kenny Joda commended NCC initiatives but stressed the need for enhanced enforcement of CNI protections.
2026 promises a transformative year for Nigeria’s telecom sector – fibre and satellite convergence could finally deliver nationwide digital inclusion. The question is execution.
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