Nigerian telcos lost ₦2.3 billion worth of generators to theft in 2025

Today on Techpoint Digest we discuss, generator theft at telco towers, moving abroad, and why Kenya has a problem with Meta's glasses.

Hello,

Here’s what I have for you today;

Nigerian telcos lost ₦2.3 billion worth of generators to theft in 2025

When the Nigerian experience doesn’t hold ground in the diaspora

Kenya is probing Meta’s smart glasses over privacy concerns

Nigerian telcos lost ₦2.3 billion worth of generators to theft in 2025

telco

Here’s how that number adds up: Telecom operators reported 656 stolen generators and battery systems in 2025. Now add this key detail from Lagos-based consultant Adewale Adeoye: each generator is typically a 15kVA unit worth about ₦3.5 million.

Multiply that across hundreds of sites, and generator losses alone climb to roughly ₦2.3 billion, before even factoring in stolen batteries and other equipment.

So this isn’t random theft. These generators are what keep telecom base stations running, especially in areas where grid power is unreliable. When they disappear, entire sites go offline, leading to dropped calls, slower data, and patchy service.

And the problem is getting worse. Telcos are already juggling diesel costs, FX pressure, and expansion expenses. Add large-scale theft, and the cost of keeping networks stable keeps rising.

Why does this matter? Because when network quality drops, this is part of the story. Not just demand, but missing infrastructure.

Related Story:

Egypt to regulate social media for minors with special SIM