Open letter to the Minister of Information Technology and Communication

I was at the Nigerian Communications Commission to make an inquiry but met a stiff resistance from the security personnel at the gate telling me I cannot access the premises without evidence of an appointment. I understand the security challenges in the country and perhaps the fact that the commission wants to regulate traffic in […]

I was at the Nigerian Communications Commission to make an inquiry but met a stiff resistance from the security personnel at the gate telling me I cannot access the premises without evidence of an appointment. I understand the security challenges in the country and perhaps the fact that the commission wants to regulate traffic in the conduct of its daily businesses hence the need to be booked before one can gain entrance to its premises but I wondered how possible it would be to make an appointment without at least reaching the desk where the receptionist would listen to my request and book an appointment for me with the right person at the right time.
Despite my reasoning, my arguments fell on deaf ears. Worse still, when I insisted, the security personnel placed a call to the secretary of Human Resources, who rudely asked me to discuss my business with her at the gate to everybody’s hearing.
In the first place, I do not believe as a Nigerian I need to be on appointment to carry out business with a public institution whose staff are being paid with taxpayer’s money of which I am one. Does it mean an ordinary Nigerian who does not know somebody in the commission cannot do business there? Must one have to know someone to gain access enough to make enquiries or enjoy services rendered by the NCC?
Government-approved code of conduct must be the interactive parameters  in any public institution and not sentiments. It is wrong professionally, ethically and morally for a public institution to restrict citizens access to its service. Demanding me to be on appointment is a deprivation of my rights as citizen.  And I refuse to disclose my mission to security men at the gate of a public place which was established to help ease my quest whenever the need arises. As citizen I demand respect from public servants who are paid on my behalf.
I was told the directive came from you  hence he need to address this letter publicly to you as there is no other way of reaching out to your office. Remember, sir, without Nigerians there will be no need for an NCC. To humiliate ordinary citizens who only go to the NCC to enjoy services rendered by public servants is like turning around to bite the fingers that feed one. I will keep demanding that we are treated with the respect we deserve.
Mohammed wrote from Lugbe Housing Estate, Lugbe, Abuja.