Telecom Sector Reforms Will Drive Growth – Agbese

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has commended ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, describing them as fundamental to the country’s digital transformation. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Agbese said improvements in connectivity, broadband expansion, and regulatory oversight were beginning to impact education, business, and daily life across […]

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has commended ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, describing them as fundamental to the country’s digital transformation.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Agbese said improvements in connectivity, broadband expansion, and regulatory oversight were beginning to impact education, business, and daily life across the country.

“The transformation in telecoms is not cosmetic; it is foundational. When millions of Nigerians get safer, more reliable connectivity, and when our networks deliver broadband that supports jobs, education and business, citizens will see the benefits directly,” Agbese said.

He highlighted the National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) linkage as a key milestone, noting that the process has cleaned up the database of active mobile lines while enhancing national security. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), over 153 million SIMs have now been harmonised with the NIN.

Agbese also pointed to steady broadband growth, citing NCC figures showing rising penetration since 2023. He said access to high-speed internet was changing the landscape of learning, commerce, and civic engagement nationwide.

“Connectivity is the new infrastructure. More people online means more economic activity, a wider taxation base and greater resilience,” he added.

He further noted that Nigerians were beginning to enjoy improved service delivery, while the regulator was encouraging corporate social responsibility programmes to ensure that telecoms investment benefits communities.

On future developments, Agbese mentioned the rollout of 5G technology and ongoing spectrum management as signs of a forward-looking digital policy. He also welcomed the decision to suspend new telecom levies, which he said had helped keep services affordable for consumers.

He acknowledged that challenges remain in extending services to rural areas and in balancing tariffs with affordability but urged private operators to increase investment while regulators maintain policy stability.

“The telecoms sector is delivering tangible results that people can feel in schools, markets and farms,” Agbese concluded.