STAKEHOLDERS in the telecommunications sector have called for stronger consumer protection provisions in the proposed National Telecommunications Policy to address challenges such as unexplained data depletion, network congestion and opaque billing systems.
The call was made at a public forum on the review of the National Telecommunications Policy held in Kano and convened by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).
Participants at the forum included academics, civil society organisations and legal practitioners who deliberated on ways to ensure the policy reflects current technological realities.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had begun reviewing the National Telecommunications Policy initially approved in 2000 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The stakeholders noted that the rapid pace of technological development had made the policy review necessary in order to address emerging challenges in the telecommunications sector.
They expressed concern that many consumers still pay for poor quality services, including dropped calls and weak signals, without adequate compensation from service providers.
According to the forum, network performance should be closely monitored to ensure that subscribers receive value for their money.
Speaking at the event, Aminu Hamza Fagge, a visually impaired participant, said persons with disabilities still face significant barriers in accessing digital services.
Fagge explained that specialised software and equipment needed to access online information remained expensive for many persons with disabilities.
“Many of us rely on assistive technologies to access online content, but a computer Braille device costs about five million naira, which most persons with disabilities cannot afford,” he said.
The Executive Director of CITAD, Y. Z. Ya’u, said Nigeria remained largely a technology-consuming country, noting that many citizens use multiple mobile lines due to poor quality of telecommunications services.
Ya’u also observed that the cost of data remained a challenge for many Nigerians.
“Data affordability is still a problem in Nigeria. Affordability means that the cost of data should not prevent people from meeting other important needs such as food,” he said.
He recommended updating the policy on economic regulation, particularly in areas of interconnection, infrastructure access, tariff regulation and sustainable market practices.
Ya’u also stressed the need for stronger privacy protection.
“Lack of privacy protection and insecurity is prevalent in Nigeria where some people avoid using the internet for fear of harassment. This situation must be reversed,” he added.
In his contribution, Prof. Suleiman Yardu’a, Director of BUK Radio and Television, said the new policy should accommodate the future needs of the country.
According to him, the telecommunications sector offers various opportunities for employment generation and contributes significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The forum also called for the deployment of digital technologies to tackle security challenges, including banditry, through stronger collaboration between the NCC and security agencies.
The NCC had earlier stated that rapid technological changes and evolving market realities made the review of the national telecommunications policy imperative.
