Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has warned that the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will significantly increase demand for data and connectivity, making resilient telecommunications infrastructure, cybersecurity, and public trust indispensable to Nigeria’s digital future.
Speaking at the West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE 4.0), Adebayo said AI is poised to transform virtually every aspect of modern life, from education and healthcare to financial services, commerce, and governance.
According to him, discussions around AI must extend beyond software applications and algorithms to address the underlying digital infrastructure required to support an increasingly connected society.
“As we continue discussing Artificial Intelligence, one reality becomes increasingly clear: data consumption will continue to grow exponentially. The more AI becomes embedded in our daily lives, the greater the demand for connectivity,” he said.
He stressed that future digital economies would require more than basic internet access, calling for investments in high-capacity fibre networks, low-latency transmission systems, and robust telecommunications infrastructure capable of supporting real-time digital services.
“However, it is not enough to have connectivity. What we need is ultra-reliable connectivity, high-capacity fibre networks, low-latency transmission systems, and resilient infrastructure capable of supporting real-time applications,” Adebayo stated.
The ALTON chairman noted that while users today may complain about slow video streaming or delayed downloads, future technologies will place much greater demands on network reliability. Emerging services such as remote healthcare, AI-powered enterprises, autonomous systems, smart cities, and real-time financial transactions will require uninterrupted connectivity and near-zero downtime.
“In that environment, network reliability becomes far more than a convenience; it becomes a necessity,” he said.
To illustrate the growing dependence on digital connectivity, Adebayo cited everyday examples showing how internet access now underpins economic and social activities. He recounted interactions with individuals whose daily routines, business operations, investments, and financial transactions rely heavily on continuous access to data services.
According to him, sectors such as education, entertainment, healthcare, commerce, and financial services have become increasingly dependent on broadband connectivity, making telecommunications infrastructure one of the most important enablers of economic growth.
Adebayo also highlighted the transformative potential of AI in expanding access to information and expertise. He explained that AI-powered systems can provide users with answers and insights in seconds, dramatically reducing the time and effort previously required to obtain specialised knowledge.
“AI is dramatically expanding access to knowledge. The same applies to legal research, technical analysis, academic inquiry, and countless other fields. The opportunities are enormous,” he said.
While concerns remain about the potential impact of AI on jobs, Adebayo argued that the technology also offers significant opportunities to improve productivity, enhance financial inclusion, transform healthcare delivery, strengthen education systems, and stimulate economic growth.
He, however, cautioned that these benefits can only be fully realised if the telecommunications infrastructure supporting the digital economy is adequately protected and strengthened.
Describing telecom infrastructure as a strategic national asset, Adebayo called on governments, businesses, communities, and citizens to play a more active role in safeguarding telecommunications facilities.
“Telecom towers, fibre networks, transmission facilities, and data centres are no longer assets that belong only to operators. They support education, healthcare, commerce, financial systems, government services, national security, and economic development,” he said.
He also identified cybersecurity as one of the most pressing challenges facing the digital economy. As dependence on AI and digital platforms grows, he warned that exposure to cyber threats, identity theft, financial fraud, data breaches, and social engineering attacks would also increase.
“As AI becomes more powerful, cybersecurity must become stronger as well,” he said.
Adebayo stressed that trust remains the foundation of any successful digital economy, urging stakeholders to prioritise privacy protection, transparency, accountability, ethical AI development, and robust cybersecurity frameworks.
Looking beyond Nigeria, he said West Africa possesses enormous digital potential driven by a youthful population, growing entrepreneurship, and increasing broadband adoption. However, he argued that greater regional collaboration, harmonised regulations, and stronger cross-border digital integration are necessary to unlock these opportunities.
“The challenge before us is ensuring that the infrastructure supporting this digital future remains resilient, secure, sustainable, and accessible to everyone,” Adebayo concluded.
“Only then can we fully realise the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence and the broader digital economy.”
