Telecom operators have sent a dire message to the federal government, saying that they are in the last days of the sector’s survival.

The warning was given by the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo.

Adebayo, while speaking at a stakeholder’s end of the year anniversary, stated that there would be disruptions in key sectors like security, commerce, healthcare, and education, which mostly rely on telecom infrastructure to function effectively.

According to him, operators may not be able to provide services in some areas and at some times of the day if action is not taken.

“As we reflect on the ending of the year 2024, there is a need to issue an urgent and critical call to action, for the future of our telecommunications industry.

“This is not a time for further deliberation or delayed decisions. The survival of the telecom sector demands immediate and bold reform for its sustainability, our tariffs must be reviewed to reflect the economic realities of delivering telecom services at a minimum for industry sustainability. Without this, operators cannot continue to guarantee service availability.

“As end navigate this near turbulent year for the sector, we are confident that history will judge us right for the role we have played in an attempt to rescue this sector. Stakeholders have stood together to uphold the values and importance of telecommunications in our society.

“However, let me be clear: our work is far from over. It is not enough to have kept the sector afloat; we must now focus on securing its future. The sustainability challenges we face today are not just a passing storm—they are a clarion call for decisive action to ensure that this industry thrives for generations to come.

“Despite the dire warnings, we still believe that a better 2025 is possible—but only if we act now. Let this be the moment when we come together, acknowledge the urgency of the situation, and commit to saving this sector.

“If we fail to act, history will record that we had countless warnings, yet we allowed inaction to jeopardize one of the most critical pillars of Nigeria’s development. But if we succeed, 2025 can be the year we turn things around—a year of hope, resilience, and sustainability for the telecom industry.

“The time for action is now. Let us not wait until it is too late. ALTON stands ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure the survival and prosperity of this sector,” he said. (Daily Sun)