IHS Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital connectivity and supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation as the telecommunications industry marked 25 years of GSM technology in the country.
Speaking at the 2026 eWorld Forum, held under the theme, “The GSM Digital Milestones: 25 Years On,” Director, Corporate Communications, IHS Nigeria, Sylva Ifedigbo, said the introduction of GSM technology had fundamentally changed the way Nigerians communicate, conduct business and access opportunities.
Ifedigbo noted that what began 25 years ago as a telecommunications revolution had evolved into an important driver of economic growth, financial inclusion, innovation and national development.
He said IHS Nigeria’s history was closely linked to the development of Nigeria’s GSM ecosystem, noting that the company, a member of the IHS Towers Group, had played a significant role in providing the infrastructure required to support the country’s growing telecommunications needs.
According to him, IHS Nigeria operates approximately 16,000 towers and more than 15,000 route kilometres of fibre-optic cable, making it a major telecommunications infrastructure provider in the country.
“For more than two decades, we have been building, managing, and expanding critical tower and connectivity infrastructure that supports Mobile Network Operators in delivering reliable voice and data services to millions of Nigerians,” he said.
Ifedigbo added that the company’s infrastructure supports digital transactions and services while facilitating access to mobile voice and broadband connectivity in both urban and rural communities.
He said this infrastructure was contributing to digital inclusion by connecting more Nigerians to opportunities created by the digital economy.
The IHS Nigeria executive also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Government, regulators, technology partners and millions of Nigerians to the development of the country’s telecommunications sector.
He particularly recognised the role of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other stakeholders in creating an environment that has enabled the sector to evolve over the past 25 years.
“As we reflect on the nation’s telecommunications journey, we must also acknowledge the efforts of the Federal Government, the regulators, led by the Nigerian Communications Commission, the technology partners and millions of Nigerians who embraced the possibilities of a connected future and helped bring it to life,” he said.
Looking ahead, Ifedigbo said IHS Nigeria would continue to work with stakeholders to accelerate connectivity, promote sustainable innovation and support Nigeria’s ambitions for inclusive economic growth and digital transformation.
He also commended the organisers of the eWorld Forum, which is now in its 12th year, for providing an annual platform for stakeholders across the technology and telecommunications ecosystem to examine industry developments and chart a path forward.
Ifedigbo further congratulated Aaron Ukodie on the publication of two books, drawing from his own experience as a published author.
“As a published author myself, I know a thing or two about how hard it is to put pen to paper to write one book, not to talk of two. Very well done, sir,” he said.
As the telecommunications industry commemorates 25 years of GSM in Nigeria, Ifedigbo called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to harness emerging opportunities and build on the progress recorded since the advent of mobile telecommunications.
“Let us also look ahead with renewed purpose and a collaborative spirit towards the opportunities that lie before us,” he said.
