Operators Rally Behind FTTH Expansion as Nigeria Pushes for a Stronger Digital Future

Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is stepping up calls for faster and more reliable broadband deployment, with leading operators including ipNX backing stronger collaboration to accelerate Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity across the country.

The call came at the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) Critical Conversation Forum on FTTH, held in Lagos, where industry stakeholders examined the challenges slowing fibre deployment and discussed practical ways to build a more reliable broadband infrastructure.

The forum, themed “Fibre to the Home in Nigeria: Addressing Challenges, Strengthening Standards and Ensuring Sustainable Deployment,” brought together government representatives, regulators, telecom operators, infrastructure providers, industry groups and members of the media.

NCC: Fibre Connectivity Is Critical to Nigeria’s Digital Growth

Speaking virtually at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, described FTTH as a critical foundation for Nigeria’s digital future.

Maida stressed that the quality and availability of broadband would play a major role in determining the country’s competitiveness, the growth of its digital economy and the opportunities available to citizens.

He also raised concerns over persistent fibre vandalism and poor deployment practices, which continue to threaten the expansion and reliability of broadband infrastructure.

ATCON Calls for Greater Protection of Fibre Infrastructure

ATCON President Tony Emoekpere said wider FTTH deployment would be essential to achieving Nigeria’s broadband ambitions.

He called for stronger cooperation between operators, regulators, government institutions and communities, particularly in protecting fibre infrastructure from damage and vandalism.

According to him, communities should treat telecommunications infrastructure as an important national asset and protect fibre networks with the same level of attention given to other critical infrastructure such as electricity facilities.

Oyo and Edo Highlight State-Level Efforts

The discussions also featured contributions from state-level technology and infrastructure officials, who outlined efforts to improve fibre deployment within their respective states.

The Director-General of the Oyo State Infrastructure Management and Control Agency (OYSIMCA), Adebayo Akande, highlighted measures aimed at reducing fibre theft and encouraging infrastructure sharing.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Edo State ICT Agency, Eghosa Urhoghide, called for closer cooperation between telecom operators, regulators and host communities.

Urhoghide also stressed the importance of ensuring that fibre projects comply with established NCC standards to prevent poor-quality and inconsistent deployments.

ipNX Pushes for Consistent Policies and Shared Responsibility

Representing ipNX at the forum, the company’s Deputy Director of Strategic Business Initiatives, Segun Okuneye, said expanding fibre connectivity nationwide would require more than simply laying additional cables.

He emphasised the need for consistent government policies, better coordination among stakeholders and a shared commitment to protecting and maintaining telecommunications infrastructure.

“Universal fibre connectivity requires more than infrastructure. It demands sustained collaboration,” Okuneye said.

He added that ipNX remains committed to developing resilient digital infrastructure capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic growth over the long term.

Fibre Vandalism and Right-of-Way Issues Remain Major Obstacles

Despite the progress made in expanding broadband infrastructure, participants identified several challenges that continue to slow FTTH deployment across Nigeria.

These include fibre vandalism, right-of-way difficulties, inconsistent deployment practices, unnecessary duplication of infrastructure and limited public understanding of the importance of telecom networks.

The industry stakeholders agreed that tackling these problems will require stronger coordination rather than isolated efforts by individual operators.

Infrastructure sharing, improved policy implementation and clearer deployment standards were among the areas identified as important to achieving faster and more sustainable fibre expansion.

Nigeria’s Broadband Future Depends on Stronger Fibre Networks

The discussions in Lagos underscored the growing importance of FTTH as Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy.

Reliable high-speed internet is increasingly central to businesses, education, financial services, remote work, digital entrepreneurship and access to online public services. Expanding fibre networks could therefore play a significant role in improving the quality and reach of broadband services across the country.

For operators such as ipNX, the forum also provided an opportunity to reinforce the industry’s call for a more coordinated approach to fibre deployment.

With vandalism, regulatory challenges and infrastructure gaps still affecting the sector, sustained cooperation between operators, government agencies, regulators and local communities will be crucial if Nigeria is to achieve broader and more dependable fibre connectivity.