A renowned media and communication expert, Dr. Uche Nworah, has called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Nigeria’s telecom sector to prevent its imminent collapse.
According to him, the sector is facing numerous challenges that threaten its survival, including high naira-to-dollar rates, stagnant data and voice call rates, epileptic power supply, staffing issues, excessive taxes and levies, and trapped funds for foreign investors.
Dr. Nworah, who has six years of experience working in a major telecom company, emphasized the need for urgent action, stating that the sector is “happening” and that a state of emergency should be declared to prevent its collapse.
He highlighted the inability of telecom companies to invest in equipment and infrastructure due to the high naira-to-dollar rate, as well as the lack of expansion of network infrastructure, as major challenges.
The expert also pointed out the impact of the crisis on subscribers, who are experiencing poor and unreliable voice and data services, call-drops, and high data costs.
The widespread poor network coverage, he noted has led to people carrying multiple phones and using customized dual SIM handsets, which is a “shame” and a sign of the sector’s dire straits.
Dr. Nworah warned that the social and economic consequences of the sector’s collapse would be severe, similar to the banking sector crisis that occurred several years ago.
The media and Communication expert urged the government to have a dialogue with telecom operators to find a solution to the crisis, which has already reached a critical point.
The telecom sector’s woes are further exacerbated by the inability of foreign investors to repatriate funds due to the naira’s depreciation, which has led to trapped funds.
Dr. Nworah emphasized that the government’s inaction would have severe consequences, including service outages and load shedding, which would further exacerbate the crisis.
