Soji Maurice-Diya, chief executive officer of NatCom Development & Investment Limited (trading as ntel), says the company will return to Nigeria’s telecoms market in the first quarter of 2026 with a renewed focus on innovation and digital inclusion.
Speaking at the Technology Times Thought Leadership Series in Lagos, Mr Maurice-Diya said ntel’s comeback will adopt an infrastructure-light model built on broadband inclusion and youth-focused digital engagement.
He said the company’s return will not follow existing market strategies but will focus on niche segments of consumers.
“For us to go and play in the 100 million subscriber game, that’s not what we’re about,” he said.
“We’re about to find a very small subset of subscribers and serve them extremely well.”
Maurice-Diya said ntel’s return reflects the company’s belief that Nigeria’s telecoms industry still holds potential for innovation and value creation across sectors.
He acknowledged the contributions of operators such as MTN, Airtel and Glo, noting that their investments have strengthened the industry’s impact on the economy.
According to him, telecom operators must evolve from providing connectivity to becoming digital platforms that enable new opportunities across other sectors.
On government policy, the ntel CEO commended reforms by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, including tariff relief measures introduced between late 2024 and early 2025.
He said these measures have encouraged further investment in the industry.
Maurice-Diya also called for stronger collaboration between the communications and financial sectors, which he said is necessary for the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
He identified dynamic pricing, tax incentives and sustainability-driven infrastructure policies as areas that can improve industry competitiveness.
On connectivity, Maurice-Diya expressed support for the Federal Government’s broadband initiatives, including the planned deployment of 7,000 telecom towers and 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure over the next five years.
He said ntel will contribute by introducing new products that expand connectivity and improve services.
He urged regulators to allow innovation before introducing restrictions.
“When you over-regulate, you stifle innovation,” he said.
Maurice-Diya also emphasised the importance of local content development, saying the sustainability of the telecoms sector depends on Nigeria’s ability to localise technology, infrastructure and talent.
He praised initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme aimed at strengthening local capacity.
He noted that sustaining investor confidence will require stable foreign exchange and tax policies as well as clear rules for capital repatriation.
Looking ahead, he said ntel’s strategy will centre on digital services and youth engagement.
“Between three and four million Nigerians turn 18 every year, and we think that’s an opportunity,” he said.
Maurice-Diya said ntel aims to create products that meet the needs of younger Nigerians and contribute to digital growth.
He added that the company plans to leverage its existing infrastructure while investing in innovation to support other players in the telecoms ecosystem.
“The first thing is a fair playing ground for all players,” he said.
“The market is big enough to sustain a multiplicity of players, and we hope to be able to play in that role.”
The Technology Times Thought Leadership Series, organised by Digital Transformation Media Limited, engages industry leaders and policymakers in discussions on technology and digital transformation in Nigeria.
