By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
The President of the
Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Izuagbe
Emoekpere, has called for innovative investment models, affordable services and
stronger collaboration among government, regulators and industry players to expand
sustainable rural connectivity in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Rural
Connectivity Summit, themed “Bridging the Rural Connectivity Gap: Who Pays for
Sustainable Access?”, Mr. Emoekpere reaffirmed the importance of sustainable
rural connectivity in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy and ensuring underserved
communities are not left behind.
He said connecting the next
25 million users requires more than expanding network coverage, stressing the
need for reliable infrastructure, local entrepreneurship and cooperation among
government, regulators, telecom operators, infrastructure providers and host
communities.
A key question, he noted,
remains who pays for sustainable rural connectivity. Public-Private
Partnerships (PPPs), strategic government support, private-sector investment
and effective regulatory frameworks must work together to make rural broadband
commercially viable and accessible.
Connectivity, according to
ATCON, is a catalyst for economic growth, education, healthcare, financial
inclusion and social development. Prioritising rural and underserved
communities could help Nigeria unlock new markets, empower local businesses and
accelerate inclusive digital transformation.
ATCON said it remains
committed to promoting constructive industry engagement and practical solutions
to strengthen Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem and expand meaningful
connectivity across the country.
The objective, the
association said, is to move beyond network coverage and deliver affordable,
reliable and sustainable connectivity that creates lasting value for people,
businesses and communities.
