The telcos say the call to action underlines the critical need for investment to ensure better services for consumers and a better future of the telecoms sector.

Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has urged the government to focus on regulatory reforms that will allow telcos to build and maintain infrastructure.

Adebayo made the statement yesterday while speaking at the Africa Tech Alliance Forum in Lagos, which had the theme "Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for the Future of Africa's Economy."

He noted that the sector is currently in distress due to lack of regulatory support, which is required for effective operations.

Adebayo also highlighted crucial challenges such as a lack of investment and high operational expenses as major contributors to the deteriorating state of telecom infrastructure.

The ALTON boss also emphasised the necessity of allowing telecom companies to make healthy price adjustments, which will help improve operational efficiency.

He said: "If you don’t invest in a sector, you can’t talk about quality of service or right pricing. The government must help, and the time is now. We need to implement the right policies and regulations to attract investment.”

Adebayo says the call to action underlines the critical need for investment to ensure better services for consumers and a better future of the telecoms sector.