The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has cautioned that states creating hostile working environments for telecom companies will be left behind in terms of connectivity and development.

The warning was issued by ALTON’s chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, during an event over the weekend. He explained that challenges such as excessive levies, right-of-way restrictions, and unfriendly regulations are discouraging telecom operators from investing in certain states.

According to Adebayo, telecom companies currently pay as many as 56 different levies across the country. However, with the recent signing of tax reform bills, the number of levies is expected to drop from January 2026, easing some of the burden on operators.

“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,” Adebayo warned.

He added that telecom operators cannot continue to beg endlessly for cooperation from subnationals and stressed that the future of connectivity depends on collaboration between governments and service providers.

This development sends a clear signal that states that prioritizing ease of doing business will result in better telecom investments and improved services, while hostile states risk leaving their citizens digitally stranded.