Lagos, Nigeria – Mobile network operators are banking on President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming tax reforms to ease the industry’s long-standing burden of multiple levies, which they say have constrained investment and slowed expansion.

The President signed four major tax reform bills into law on June 26, 2025, with implementation set for January 1, 2026. Collectively known as the “Reform Acts”, the legislation consolidates multiple tax laws, abolishes minor levies, and raises thresholds to relieve small businesses. Authorities say the reforms are designed to simplify Nigeria’s tax system, boost government revenue, and stimulate economic growth.

Speaking at the launch of Nigeria’s first Digital Museum in Lagos at the weekend, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, said the industry was optimistic about the changes.

“We eagerly await the commencement of 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,” Adebayo said.

The reforms, driven by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, are being hailed as a pivotal step toward creating a more business-friendly environment.

Adebayo stressed that streamlining the tax regime would not only ease operators’ costs but also benefit small and medium-sized businesses, promote entrepreneurship, and attract fresh investment.

Beyond multiple taxes, telcos continue to battle high Right-of-Way (RoW) charges, which operators regard as a de facto tax on network rollout. While the Federal Government set a benchmark of ₦145 per linear metre, some states continue to impose higher fees, discouraging infrastructure deployment.

“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.

Earlier this year, 11 states agreed to waive RoW charges to encourage broadband expansion, but only seven – Zamfara, Katsina, Anambra, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Bauchi, and Adamawa – have implemented the waiver so far.

Operators argue that multiple taxation and inconsistent RoW policies have long raised costs, slowed network rollout, and risked higher consumer prices. The government says eliminating redundant levies and unifying tax laws will create a more predictable fiscal environment that encourages both domestic and foreign investment.

Telcos believe that with the tax changes and improved RoW access, they can accelerate network expansion, enhance service quality, and support Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.