Abuja: Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, emphasized the critical role of reliable telecommunications and data services in Nigeria’s economic growth, productivity, and social inclusion. Speaking on Thursday at the National Civil Society Dialogue on Telecommunication and Data Service Provisions in Nigeria, Dare highlighted the evolution of telecommunications from a mere utility to critical national infrastructure essential for various sectors including agriculture, business, education, healthcare, and government.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dare underscored that increased broadband connectivity is vital for expanding economic participation, fostering innovation, and creating job opportunities. However, he stressed the necessity for improving the quality of services to match subscriber growth. He called for enhanced customer service, increased investment in network optimization, and a focus on digital literacy and local content. Furthermore, he advocated for infrastructure sharing among operators and better protection of telecommunications infrastructure against vandalism and theft.
Dare also highlighted the potential of 5G technology in revolutionizing sectors like smart agriculture, industrial automation, and telemedicine. He urged collaboration among government, regulators, operators, development partners, and civil society organizations to provide affordable connectivity to underserved areas, emphasizing solution-building over blame.
Mr. Odoyemi Ogohi, Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), echoed this sentiment by welcoming public scrutiny and dialogue on telecommunications services. Ogohi affirmed the NCC’s commitment to evidence-based assessments of network performance and addressing consumer complaints. He reported that as of June, Nigeria had 192 million active telecommunications users and a broadband penetration rate of 56.7 percent, with data consumption steadily rising.
Ogohi acknowledged the disparity between rural and urban network experiences and noted the commission’s shift towards measuring service quality at local levels. Meanwhile, Amb. Blessing Akinsolotu, Executive Director of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, highlighted ongoing concerns over poor services and consumer-related issues, expressing hope that the dialogue’s resolutions would prompt necessary actions from relevant stakeholders.