The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has called for better welfare, safety and recognition for the technicians, engineers and field staff driving the growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector over the last 25 years.
In a note titled 25 Years of Telecoms: Remembering the Heroes Behind Nigeria’s Connectivity, ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, said the real story of Nigeria’s mobile expansion is in the people who work on the ground.
“Behind every base station, fibre route, transmission link and network upgrade are men and women who have worked in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable,” Emoekpere said.
He noted that since GSM services began in 2001, the industry has relied on thousands of workers who travel long distances, install equipment and maintain networks in difficult terrain and weather.
According to him, while industry reports often highlight infrastructure figures and investment, the daily work of field professionals remains largely unseen.
“To those still on the frontline; we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you,” he said.
Emoekpere urged operators, government and the public to continue recognising these workers, adding that their role will remain critical as demand for reliable voice, data and broadband services grows across the country.
The association said it would push for better welfare, safety and recognition for telecom field workers as the sector enters its next phase of growth.
