Abuja: Dr Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, has emphasized the need for network operators to enhance transparency in their billing systems and data accounting mechanisms. This call was made during his keynote address at the National Civil Society Dialogue on Telecommunication and Data Service Provision in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dare highlighted that the theme of the dialogue, ‘Upscaling Telecommunication and Data Services for Enhanced Micro-Economic and GDP Growth,’ extends beyond mere technology discussions to encompass economic opportunity, national productivity, social inclusion, and the future competitiveness of Nigeria. He noted that telecommunications have transformed from a utility role to being critical national infrastructure, impacting all sectors of the economy.
Dare underscored the importance of network operators embracing a renewed social contract with consumers by improving transparency in their billing systems and data accounting. He stressed that customers deserve clear explanations of usage patterns and encouraged operators to increase investments in network optimisation, fibre deployment, and rural coverage. Additionally, he advocated for more responsive, efficient, and empathetic customer service.
He further emphasized the need for corporate investments to focus on digital literacy, youth innovation, and local content development. Operators were urged to provide simplified consumer dashboards for real-time usage monitoring. Dare highlighted the potential of 5G to revolutionize Nigeria’s digital development, supporting various sectors such as smart agriculture, industrial automation, and telemedicine.
Dare stressed the need for deliberate preparation for the 5G transition, with investments in fibre backhaul, reliable power, cybersecurity, and digital skills. He pointed out that millions of Nigerians in underserved and unserved communities are still excluded from the digital economy’s benefits, making it both an economic imperative and a social responsibility to bridge this divide.
The presidential aide called for collaboration among government, regulators, operators, development partners, and civil society organisations to expand affordable access to remote communities. He emphasized the strategic importance of viewing the telecommunications industry as a national asset and recommended policies that encourage investment, expand broadband, and improve affordability.
Dare advocated for the reaffirmation of telecommunications and broadband infrastructure as enablers of national economic growth, and the accelerated expansion of broadband infrastructure nationwide. He also recommended promoting stronger consumer education on data usage, cybersecurity, and digital literacy, and enhanced protection of telecommunications infrastructure.
He concluded by advocating for a structured multi-stakeholder engagement framework and encouraging policies that improve affordability while sustaining industry investment. He also called for a commitment to annually reviewing progress on the dialogue’s resolutions.