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L-R: Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr Isaiah Erhiawarien, Convener WATISE & Country Editor, TechnologyMirror, Mr Tunji Jimoh, Controller, Lagos Zonal Office, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Dr. Olusola Teniola, Director, Strategic Business Initiatives, ipNX, at the 2026 West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE) held on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Nigeria’s leading ICT company, ipNX has identified accessibility, affordability, and availability as the critical factors that will determine the pace and scale of Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption across Nigeria and the African continent.
The position was presented at the West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE) held on June 18, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, where ipNX delivered a lead paper titled “Next-G Telecoms Infrastructure and Ethical AI in Networking Management.”
The paper was presented by Dr. Olusola Teniola, Director, Strategic Business Initiatives, ipNX, on behalf of the Group Managing Director of ipNX, Mr. Ejovi Aror, and it explored the growing intersection between next-generation telecommunications infrastructure and the responsible deployment of AI technologies.
Speaking during the presentation, Dr. Teniola noted that AI is not a new concept, it has been in existence since 1955 and is an integral part of today’s digital ecosystem, with intelligent algorithms already embedded in so-called ‘traditional’ telecommunications networks and services.
“Artificial Intelligence already shapes how networks are managed, optimized, and secured. The conversation is not about whether AI will transform telecommunications, but how we can ensure that its benefits are responsibly deployed,” he said.
Dr. Teniola emphasized that while Africa may not have played a leading role during the earliest stages of AI development, the continent still has a significant opportunity to shape the next phase of innovation by developing technologies that address local challenges and realities.
“Africa does not need to be solely a consumer of AI technologies developed elsewhere. There is a unique opportunity to build solutions that reflect our local contexts, address our specific needs, and create value for our economies and communities,” he stated.
The presentation also highlighted the importance of ethical considerations in AI deployment, particularly as intelligent systems become increasingly involved in network operations, service delivery, decision-making processes, and customer interactions.
Dr. Teniola stressed that the development of AI must be guided by principles of transparency, accountability, privacy, and inclusivity to ensure that innovation delivers meaningful benefits to society.
He further noted that the success of AI across Africa will depend on continued investment in digital infrastructure, including broadband connectivity, data centres, cloud platforms, and reliable telecommunications networks capable of supporting advanced digital services.
The discussions at WATISE 2026 reinforced the strategic importance of the telecommunications industry as the foundation of Nigeria’s digital economy. While stakeholders highlighted the role of telecom infrastructure in enabling innovation across various sectors, participants underscored the need for improved digital literacy, public awareness, and responsible use of emerging technologies. ipNX was recognized at the event as the Best Customer-centric Telecoms Operator. As Nigeria’s leading technology and connectivity provider, the brand remains committed to advancing the infrastructure, innovation, and collaborative partnerships required to unlock the full potential of AI and support Africa’s digital transformation.
