ATCON calls for unified regulation and telecom reform

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) is leading efforts to address critical challenges in Nigeria’s telecom sector , beginning with calls for a unified regulatory framework to eliminate overlapping and conflicting regulations from multiple government agencies.

At the 2025 General Meeting, ATCON announced the formation of an Industry Think Tank Committee to coordinate advocacy and streamline policy engagement.

The association also highlighted internal industry issues such as fragmentation and price wars, which weaken the collective bargaining power of operators. Stakeholders stressed the importance of greater unity to strengthen the sector’s negotiating position and overall influence.

To tackle the sector’s talent shortage and reduce reliance on foreign expertise, ATCON launched the ATCON Academy, designed to train Nigerian youth in essential telecom technical skills.

Telecom companies committed to expanding internship programs and partnering with universities to enhance practical training and update ICT curricula.

Despite these efforts, institutions like the Digital Bridge Institute have underperformed, prompting calls for stronger government investment in human capital and the creation of a national ICT Think Tank, inspired by successful models from India and Singapore.

ATCON prioritizes protecting telecom infrastructure and will push for full CNII enforcement. President Emoekpere aims to strengthen regulation, talent, and infrastructure for sustainable sector growth.

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