Read Time:1 Minute
MTN Nigeria Board Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, has urged the Federal Government to prioritize investment in telecommunications infrastructure as a catalyst for Africa’s digital and economic growth. He made the call while speaking at the Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) held in Abuja.
Ndukwe, a former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said Nigeria must accelerate telecom expansion to strengthen its position as Africa’s digital hub. He stressed that improved connectivity is central to unlocking productivity, promoting innovation, and integrating the continent’s economies.
He noted that although Nigeria leads in mobile penetration, weak infrastructure, unstable power supply, and inconsistent regulatory frameworks remain major challenges. According to him, sustainable growth in the telecom sector depends on clear policy direction and consistent government support.
“Telecommunications is not just about making calls. It is about empowering people, driving education, enhancing health systems, and connecting markets,” Ndukwe said. He added that the digital economy cannot thrive without reliable broadband access and competitive investment policies.
The MTN chair also called for stronger public-private collaboration, urging the government to create incentives for both local and international investors. He highlighted that strategic partnerships could enhance 5G deployment, data centers, and rural connectivity
Industry analysts at the summit agreed that the telecom sector remains a key pillar for Nigeria’s economic diversification. They emphasized that aligning infrastructure investment with innovation policies could drive inclusion and accelerate growth across multiple industries.
As Nigeria seeks to deepen its digital transformation, stakeholders believe that robust telecom investment will be vital for sustainable economic development and continental competitiveness.