Telcos Urges Local Participation In ICT Sector For Economic Values
Telecommunication companies under the aegis of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) are advocating local participation in project execution across the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sectoral value-chain for economic values in the country.
The Telcos, who spoke at the ATCON Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Victoria Island (VI), Lagos on Thursday, noted that, local content is about building capacity, strengthening participation and ensuring sustainable development.
The ATCON president, Mr. Tony Emoekpere, highlighted that, the success of Nigeria’s digital economy will depend on how effectively indigenous operators are empowered to deliver connectivity beyond major cities.
Emoekpere, while applauding the $900million broadband expansion plan anchored on local Internet Service Providers (ISPs), added that, local ISPs are best positioned to deliver last-mile connectivity, provide tailored services and drive innovation at the grassroots.
According to him, strengthening local ISPs will unlock opportunities far beyond internet access, positioning Nigeria for growth in FinTech, software development, digital platforms and emerging technologies.
In the same vein, Mr. Chidi Ibisi of Broadband Limited emphasized that, local content must be properly understood as a tool for economic growth rather than protectionism.
He explained that, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of modern economies, adding that, they consist of over 98 per cent of businesses in Nigeria while contributing more than 50 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).
He pointed out that while foreign investment remains critical in capital-intensive sectors like telecoms, it must be deliberately tied to local participation, skill development, job creation, and retention of economic value within Nigeria.
Other operators, at the meeting, acknowledged that, broadband expansion will do more than improve connectivity as it will stimulate widespread economic activity by enabling local ISPs and digital service providers to grow.
They called for a clearly defined local content framework for the telecom sector, and warned that, without clarity, implementation could be weak or misdirected.
They also advocated the development of clear guidelines, measurable targets, and structured implementation strategies to ensure the policy delivers real capacity development.
Meanwhile, ATCON, at the meeting, unveiled plans to take a leading role in shaping policy direction through industry collaboration, including the development of a telecom-specific local content framework and the establishment of a multi-stakeholder committee.
The association also signalled its preference for self-regulation, aimed at aligning stakeholders and creating a practical roadmap for inclusive growth.