President Bola Tinubu has appealed to telecommunications operators in Nigeria to provide unhindered connectivity to educational institutions and other learning platforms, stressing that access to digital connectivity is a fundamental right of every Nigerian.
The President expressed concern that commercial considerations often determine how telecom services are deployed, leaving many educational institutions underserved due to their limited profit potential. He urged operators to look beyond short-term gains and support national digital inclusion efforts.
Tinubu made the appeal on Thursday in Lagos through the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Board, Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe, who received a delegation of telecom operators led by the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo.
According to Olorunnimbe, the President specifically encouraged telecom companies to introduce zero-rated access to educational platforms and the digital creative sector, noting their critical role in shaping future leaders and creating employment opportunities.
He urged operators not to see such initiatives as financial losses but as long-term investments that would ultimately benefit both the economy and the telecom industry.
“Please do not view such investments as revenue loss, but as deferred profit. When young Nigerians gain access to digital learning, their earning capacity increases. The economy benefits, and revenue returns in broader form,” he said.
He further emphasized that expanding telecom services to underserved areas should be seen as a national responsibility rather than merely a corporate social obligation.
“Connectivity is not just corporate social responsibility. Every Nigerian has the right to access. Commercial considerations matter, but they should not always be the first filter,” he added.
The NCC chairman also called on telecom operators to prioritise connectivity for the creative industry as part of efforts to address rising youth unemployment.
Earlier, the telecom operators commended the NCC for its proactive steps in resolving industry challenges, particularly the settlement of over N300 billion in outstanding USSD debt owed by banks to telecom companies. They also praised the commission for approving marginal tariff adjustments, which they said had helped stabilise operations and attract fresh investments.
However, the operators raised several concerns affecting their operations, including frequent fibre optic cable cuts—often caused by government contractors—high and inconsistent Right of Way charges across states, and regulatory constraints limiting the commission’s ability to fully address industry challenges.
Responding to the concerns, Olorunnimbe assured the operators of continuous engagement and collaboration to resolve outstanding issues.
“What I can promise you is that my door will remain open for structured engagement. Disagreements may arise, but they must be resolved through dialogue, data and mutual respect,” he said.
He noted that the telecom sector had faced difficult times but was now showing signs of recovery, adding that efforts would be made to protect progress and strengthen Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem.
“This sector has come through a difficult phase. Stabilisation has begun. Confidence is returning. Our task now is to protect the gains, deepen investment, and ensure that Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem becomes a benchmark for the continent,” he stated.
On the issue of fibre cuts and enforcement of the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) Act, Olorunnimbe warned that damage to telecom facilities would no longer be tolerated without consequences.
“If networks go down, everything stops. Commerce pauses. Communication halts. Education suffers. Healthcare systems struggle. That is why accountability must be non-negotiable,” he said.
He added that contractors who damage telecom infrastructure would be required to halt work immediately and carry out repairs before continuing their projects.
“The Commission will escalate enforcement discussions with state governments and the presidency to ensure that Critical National Infrastructure protections translate into practical safeguards.
“Critical National Infrastructure must not remain a title on paper. It must translate into protection, enforcement, and consequences. Where infrastructure is damaged negligently or deliberately, responsibility must be fixed clearly and swiftly,” he added.
Tinubu Urges Telcos to Provide Free, Expanded Connectivity for Schools, Creative Sector
