ALTON Commends NCC Reforms, Flags Fibre Damage Concerns
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has praised the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for regulatory measures that have strengthened Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the NCC Board of Commissioners, Idris Olorunnimbe, in Lagos. He credited recent foreign exchange reforms and the resolution of the ₦300 billion USSD debt crisis with restoring stability and boosting investor confidence.
Adebayo noted that telecom operators, who earn in naira but settle major obligations in foreign currency, faced significant strain during forex shortages. He said improved forex access has reduced debt exposure and strengthened market confidence.
He also described the NCC’s approval of tariff adjustments, the first in 13 years, as critical to preventing service rationing and industry decline amid rising inflation, energy costs and currency volatility. According to him, the review has helped stabilise networks and revive capital investment.
However, ALTON raised concern over frequent fibre optic cable cuts caused by road construction activities, warning that the trend threatens national connectivity. The association called for stricter enforcement to ensure contractors repair damaged infrastructure before continuing work.
Responding, Olorunnimbe described telecommunications as the backbone of the economy, stressing that network failures disrupt commerce, education, healthcare and governance. He reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to fairness, accountability and improved service quality, while pledging stronger enforcement of the Critical National Infrastructure designation.
He also urged operators to support national goals by expanding access to underserved areas and promoting digital inclusion initiatives.
Benita B. Ibrahim
