Telecom industry continues to grow because it is deeply embedded in everyday life. Almost every Nigerian depends on mobile communication, making airtime and data products constantly in demand regardless of economic conditions.
According to Olubenga telecom products are “addictive, highly valuable, and non-substitutable,” noting that people return to purchase them repeatedly without needing persuasion. He added that the frequency of usage makes the sector different from many other businesses, as demand is continuous and unavoidable.
Olubenga also pointed out that the rapid growth of smartphones and social media usage has significantly increased data consumption across the country. He said platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, and online banking apps have made internet access a necessity rather than a luxury.
He further noted that banks and fintech companies have now entered the telecom space by offering airtime and data services, a move he said reflects the profitability of the industry. This, according to him, shows how telecom distribution has become a shared opportunity across multiple sectors of the economy.
Discussing entrepreneurship, he explained that setting up a full telecom infrastructure business independently could require billions of naira in investment. However, he said digital platforms like TGR have simplified entry into the sector, allowing individuals to participate at lower financial levels.
He added that technology continues to play a key role in the industry’s expansion, especially through digital payments, mobile platforms, and artificial intelligence. According to him, these innovations are making telecom services more efficient while also creating new opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Olubenga concluded that the telecom sector will remain central to Nigeria’s economic future, driven by population growth, increasing data usage, and evolving digital trends. He said the industry will continue to offer opportunities for income generation, especially for youths seeking financial independence.
Telecom sector is Nigeria’s “mother of all businesses” — Pastor Idowu Olubenga
