Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has undergone significant reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a development that could bolster his re‑election prospects, according to Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Agbese highlighted the sector’s transformation as a major achievement, citing improved connectivity, job creation and economic growth.
A notable step has been the consolidation of the National Identification Number (NIN) with Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reports that more than 153 million SIMs have been harmonised with the NIN, strengthening national security and cleaning up the database of active mobile lines. Agbese described this as “one of the most far‑reaching exercises in Nigeria’s digital history.”
The NCC has also recorded a steady rise in broadband penetration since 2023. Greater access to high‑speed internet is reshaping education, business and civic engagement across the country. Agbese attributed this progress to the Tinubu administration’s efforts, stating that “connectivity is the new infrastructure” and that more people online translates into increased economic activity, a broader tax base and greater resilience.
Regulators have ensured that Nigerians enjoy improved service delivery, offering value for money that meets the growing demands of a youthful population. The NCC emphasizes corporate social responsibility, urging telecom investments to generate broader societal impact beyond profits. Initiatives such as the push toward 5G technology and careful management of spectrum licensing further demonstrate the government’s determination to future‑proof Nigeria’s digital economy.
Agbese praised the Tinubu administration for listening to industry concerns about over‑taxation, noting that proposed levies on telecom services were suspended on the president’s orders. This fiscal reprieve has kept services affordable and allowed the sector to maintain momentum despite foreign‑exchange pressures and a challenging macroeconomic climate.
Challenges remain, particularly in extending reliable services to rural communities and ensuring that tariff adjustments do not widen the digital divide. Agbese urged private operators to deepen investment and regulators to maintain policy stability. He concluded that the telecoms sector offers a powerful narrative of delivery that the administration can proudly present to the Nigerian people, with tangible results visible in schools, markets and farms.
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