ntel plans Q1 2026 comeback in Nigeria

The Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (ntel) has unveiled a roadmap for the resurgence of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry. Speaking with journalists in Lagos, the ntel CEO, Mr Soji Maurice-Diya, mapped out a comprehensive vision that positions the once-dormant national carrier for a digital comeback driven by innovation, youth inclusion, and strategic industry collaboration. Maurice-Diya, who assumed office […]

The Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (ntel) has unveiled a roadmap for the resurgence of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, the ntel CEO, Mr Soji Maurice-Diya, mapped out a comprehensive vision that positions the once-dormant national carrier for a digital comeback driven by innovation, youth inclusion, and strategic industry collaboration.

Maurice-Diya, who assumed office as ntel’s CEO earlier this year, spoke extensively on Nigeria’s telecoms evolution, regulatory direction, infrastructure gaps, and ntel’s plans to re-emerge in the market by the first quarter of 2026.

He emphasised the importance of building on Nigeria’s 25-year telecoms legacy through renewed innovation, policy synergy, and deeper localisation of content and infrastructure.

 

 

 

Reflecting on Nigeria’s telecommunications journey, Maurice-Diya noted that the sector has matured into one of the country’s most resilient economic pillars.

 

 

 

“Most of us are aware that the telecoms industry in Nigeria, as we know it today, started almost 25 years ago,” hesaid. “

 

 

 

It has witnessed significant and impactful growth, particularly in supporting Nigeria’s broader commercial ecosystem ”

 

 

 

He credited the major operators—MTN, Airtel, and Glo—for demonstrating long-term commitment that brought relative market stability after the turbulent early years of deregulation. The industry, he explained, has evolved from a high-entry, volatile market into a more predictable ecosystem that contributes substantially to Nigeria’s GDP”.

 

 

 

Addressing Nigeria’s connectivity challenges, Maurice-Diya pointed to the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) Act, which now protects telecoms assets against vandalism and sabotage, as a milestone.

 

 

 

He said complementary measures—such as dynamic pricing, tax incentives, and green-energy adoption—will deepen sector resilience.

 

 

 

He cited the Federal Government’s ongoing investments in 7,000 new rural telecom towers and the 90,000-kilometre national fibre-optic project as crucial steps toward bridging Nigeria’s connectivity divide.

 

 

 

“We at ntel will play a role not only by supporting the ecosystem but also by creating interesting products that will broaden and deepen connectivity,” he said.