Telcos Warn States Against Hostile Policies, High Taxes

The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has cautioned state governments that unfriendly policies and hostile business environments could hinder their connectivity growth and leave them behind in Nigeria’s telecoms revolution.

The warning was issued over the weekend by ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo.

Adebayo noted that restrictive state laws, including excessive taxation and right-of-way hurdles, continue to slow down network expansion.

He revealed that telecom operators currently face up to 56 different charges across various states. However, if ongoing tax reform measures are implemented, the number of charges is expected to be reduced starting January 2026.

Adebayo stressed that states with unwelcoming conditions will lose out on critical telecom investments.

“States that create hostile conditions for telecom operations risk being left behind. Where deployment is unwelcome, investments will move to more supportive neighbouring states, and citizens of unfriendly states will inevitably suffer limited connectivity,” he said.

He added that operators would not continue to “solicit endlessly for cooperation” from states that block infrastructure rollout.