ipNX advocates greater collaboration, FG’s support at Nigeria telecoms forum

Information and communications technology company, ipNX, has once again emphasised the need for increased collaboration among telecommunications operators and stronger government support for Nigeria’s telecom sector.

This call was made by Segun Okuneye, ipNX’s Deputy Director of Strategic Business Initiatives at the recently concluded Nigeria Telecoms Forum which was held recently at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The forum had in attendance senior telecom executives, infrastructure providers, telecom operators, investors, telco associations, and professionals across various verticals of the telco industry.

Speaking on a panel titled, Navigating the Digital Divide: Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Telecom Industry, Okuneye addressed industry stakeholders on the importance of policies that not only foster collaboration but also ensure effective enforcement to safeguard infrastructure.

He referenced the Federal Government’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) policy, noting that while such policies are a step in the right direction, enforcement and practical application remain significant challenges.

“The policy is in place, but we need to ensure its enforcement,” Okuneye said. “Operators, both large and small, face ongoing challenges with infrastructure damage, and it’s essential that policies deter such activities. The government’s role goes beyond just creating policies; it extends to ensuring seamless access to the right-of-way processes and supporting operators with reduced costs and easier access to infrastructure development opportunities.”

Okuneye also expressed concern over the continuing issue of fibre cuts, with some operators reporting up to seven incidents every hour.

He further emphasized that addressing these disruptions is vital to improving service quality and expanding connectivity across the country and called for policies that not only protect telecom infrastructure but also create a more conducive environment for infrastructure investment and growth.

In line with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan, which seeks to enhance quality internet access nationwide, Okuneye reiterated that achieving this ambitious goal will require substantial investments in infrastructure.

These investments, he stated, can only be realized through greater collaboration between telecom operators and the government.

“Achieving the National Broadband Plan requires significant infrastructure investments, and for this to happen, we need the support of the government in terms of creating an enabling environment for investment and reducing regulatory barriers,” Okuneye noted.

“It is through collaboration that we can ensure the growth of Nigeria’s telecom sector and, ultimately, the broader digital economy.”

Jamiu Ijaodola, founder of the Nigeria Telecoms Forum, echoed these sentiments, stressing that the forum serves as an essential platform to bring together stakeholders from across the telecom ecosystem to address shared challenges and drive solutions.

“The future of Nigeria’s telecom sector depends on how well we can collaborate to overcome these common challenges,” Ijaodola said.

ipNX says it remains committed to promoting a collaborative approach and advocating for the necessary government support to propel the growth of the telecom sector in Nigeria. With increased investment, and a unified approach between operators and policymakers, the country’s telecom infrastructure and broadband access can reach new heights.