The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Mr. Sunday Akin Dare, has stressed the importance of civil society organisations in strengthening accountability and addressing challenges within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
Akin Dare spoke at the National Civil Society Dialogue on Telecommunications and Data Service Provision in Nigeria, where stakeholders discussed the need for improved network coverage, affordable data and stronger consumer protection.
He noted that the media alone could not address the challenges confronting society, stressing that civil society organisations have an important role to play as a link between citizens and government.
According to him, telecommunications has become a critical component of modern society and an important foundation for economic development.
He said reliable telecommunications and data services are increasingly essential to farmers, small business owners and students, particularly as education and professional development continue to move online.
Akin Dare also highlighted the growing role of telecommunications in educational technology, health technology, cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
He called for customer service within the telecommunications sector to become more responsible and efficient, noting that better digital services would contribute to smart agriculture, advanced logistics and the creation of new economic opportunities.
The Special Adviser further emphasised the need for a balance between consumers and device providers within Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.
He noted that the complexity of the sector requires sustained investment to improve service availability and expand access, particularly in underserved communities.
Akin Dare said the Nigerian Communications Commission had established telecommunications service goals aimed at addressing gaps in data supply and accelerating rural coverage and awareness.
He urged regulators to remain vigilant while calling on civil society organisations to maintain constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders.
According to him, Nigeria’s telecommunications sector will require increased accountability, investment and consumer advocacy to meet the country’s growing digital needs.
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