By Sarafina Christopher
Dr Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, says network operators need to improve transparency in their billing systems and data accounting mechanisms.
Dare made the call in his keynote address at the National Civil Society Dialogue on Telecommunication and Data Service Provision in Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.
The theme of the dialogue was “Upscaling Telecommunication and Data Services for Enhanced Micro-Economic and GDP Growth.”
Dare said that the theme was not merely about technology but economic opportunity, national productivity, social inclusion and the future competitiveness of Nigeria.
He said that telecommunications had evolved from being a supporting utility into critical national infrastructure.
“Every sector of the economy now depends on connectivity. Farmers access market information through mobile devices.
“Small businesses transact through digital platforms; students learn online. Hospitals increasingly depend on digital communications. Government services are migrating to digital channels.
“Network operators must equally embrace a renewed social contract with consumers; they should improve transparency in billing systems and data accounting mechanisms.
“Customers deserve easy-to-understand explanations of usage patterns. Operators should increase investments in network optimisation, fibre deployment and rural coverage.’’
According to him, customer service must become more responsive, efficient and empathetic.
He said that corporate investments should increasingly target digital literacy, youth innovation and local content development.
“Operators should also provide simplified consumer dashboards that allow subscribers to monitor real-time usage.
“The rollout of 5G opens a new chapter in Nigeria’s digital development.
“Beyond faster internet speeds, 5G can support smart agriculture, industrial automation, telemedicine, smart cities, advanced logistics and new economic opportunities.
“Nigeria must prepare deliberately for this transition. Investment in fibre backhaul, reliable power, cybersecurity and digital skills will determine whether we fully realize the benefits.’’
Dare said that a truly successful telecommunications sector must leave no community behind.
He said that millions of Nigerians in underserved and unserved communities remained outside the full benefits of the digital economy.
“Bridging this divide is both an economic imperative and a social responsibility.
“Government, regulators, operators, development partners and civil society organisations must collaborate to expand affordable access to remote communities.’’
The presidential aide said that civil society possessed a unique responsibility as it served as the bridge between citizens and institutions.
He said that constructive engagement rather than confrontation should guide our approach. Evidence-based advocacy can help improve accountability while ensuring that public discussions remain balanced, informed and solution-oriented.
“The telecommunications industry should be viewed as a strategic national asset. Nigeria’s aspiration to become a trillion-dollar economy depends partly on the strength of its digital infrastructure.
“We must pursue policies that encourage investment, expand broadband, improve affordability, protect consumers, strengthen cybersecurity and accelerate innovation.”
He recommended the reaffirmation of telecommunications and broadband infrastructure as strategic enablers of national economic growth.
Dare called for accelerated expansion of broadband infrastructure nationwide, with emphasis on underserved communities.
He said there was a need to encourage periodic publication of transparent quality-of-service performance indicators by operators and regulators.
“There is a need to support stronger consumer education on data usage, cybersecurity and digital literacy and enhanced protection of telecommunications infrastructure from vandalism and theft.
“There is a need to promote expanded infrastructure-sharing arrangements among licensed operators and encourage greater investment in 5G deployment, fibre networks and emerging technologies,’’ he said.
He also advocated for a structured multi-stakeholder engagement framework involving government, the Nigerian Communications Commission, operators, civil society and consumer groups.
According to the presidential aide, policies that improve affordability while sustaining industry investment should be encouraged, along with a commitment to annually reviewing progress on the dialogue’s resolutions.(NAN)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
