ntel eyes comeback with tower, real estate strategy

Ntel, the telecommunications operator formed from the assets of Nigeria's former national carrier NITEL, is charting a new course for its comeback by shifting its strategic focus from traditional mobile services to digital infrastructure, fiber networks, and real estate development. The company unveiled its "The Next Frontier" strategy, which outlines plans to build an integrated digital infrastructure, connectivity, and real estate business.

The strategy is anchored on three key pillars: Beam, Eden, and Titan. Under the Beam pillar, ntel is expanding its connectivity offerings with products like WakaGo, a global e-SIM solution for international travelers, and AirFibre, a fixed wireless broadband service for businesses. The Titan pillar concentrates on the company's infrastructure business, encompassing tower development, fiber connectivity, duct infrastructure, colocation services, and infrastructure-sharing solutions for other telecom operators and enterprises.

The Eden real estate platform aims to unlock value from ntel's property assets by transforming its portfolio into commercial and residential developments. As part of this initiative, ntel has unveiled three projects: Eden Place, a commercial development in Lagos; Nova Place, a commercial project in Port Harcourt; and Terenna Court, a residential apartment development in Abuja. This strategic repositioning comes as Nigeria's telecommunications sector experiences rising demand for broadband connectivity, fiber infrastructure, and data capacity, driven by increased digital adoption among consumers and businesses.

Soji Maurice-Diya, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NatCom Development & Investment Limited (ntel), described the strategy as more than a business restructuring. He views it as an effort to build an ecosystem that connects technology, infrastructure, and economic development. Ntel has reported progress over the past year, including stakeholder engagement, business alignment, creditor discussions, and operational restructuring aimed at improving efficiency.

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The strategy represents more than a business restructuring effort, describing it as an attempt to build an ecosystem connecting technology, infrastructure and economic development.