Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, has announced that the ongoing Presidential Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform will eliminate over 56 taxes and levies currently placed on Nigerian telecom operators.
In a statement, Adebayo said the reforms are a crucial step toward streamlining Nigeria’s tax system, which will reduce the burden of multiple taxes on telecom companies. He added that the changes will also benefit small and medium-sized businesses, promote entrepreneurship, and attract more investment to the sector.
Adebayo expressed optimism that the new tax policies, set to take effect in January 2026, will lead to significant growth and a more business-friendly environment for telecommunications companies in Nigeria.
“We eagerly await the commencement of the implementation in January 2026. We are confident that the over 56 taxes and levies currently borne by our members across various jurisdictions will soon become a thing of the past,” he said.
In addition to the tax reforms, Adebayo highlighted other initiatives aimed at improving the industry. He stated that Tower Companies are enhancing security at telecom sites to combat vandalism and theft. “Removable batteries and generators are now fitted with trackers to trace stolen items, and we strongly advise the public to desist from buying equipment suspected to have been stolen from telecom sites,” he cautioned.
He also mentioned that companies are actively training and retraining their workforce to adapt to emerging technologies and meet strict service-level requirements set by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). While these network optimizations may cause occasional disruptions, Adebayo appealed for public understanding, as these efforts are designed to ultimately deliver a much-improved user experience.
Adebayo also commended the inauguration of the new NCC Board, chaired by Mr. Idris Olorunimbe, expressing confidence that the new leadership will strengthen the progress already achieved in the sector.