Power Strain Hits Nigeria’s Telecom Towers as Solar Adoption Crawls at 20%

Story: Written by springnewsng February 27,2026
Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure is facing a growing energy dilemma as the shift to renewable power remains slow, with solar solutions powering only about 20% of telecom towers nationwide.
Industry data show that most base stations still depend heavily on diesel generators, driving up operating costs and exposing operators to fuel price volatility and supply disruptions. This reliance has also raised concerns over carbon emissions and long-term sustainability.
Despite Nigeria’s vast solar potential, rollout has been hampered by high upfront costs, security risks to equipment, and limited access to long-term financing. As a result, operators continue to juggle rising energy expenses while trying to maintain network uptime and service quality.
Analysts warn that without faster investment in renewables and supportive policies, the energy burden on telecom firms could worsen, affecting coverage expansion and affordability for consumers across Nigeria