CITAD warns that rising internet data costs in Nigeria will widen the digital divide, leaving underserved communities with limited access to essential online services. A recent 50% tariff hike on data has exacerbated connectivity issues, particularly for students and marginalized groups. Urgent policy interventions and support for community networks are needed to address these challenges.
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has issued a warning regarding the rising internet data costs in Nigeria, indicating that it intensifies the country’s existing digital divide. According to CITAD, higher data costs will leave numerous underserved communities without vital online services, exacerbating their connectivity issues.
Haruna Adamu Hadeija, CITAD’s Community Network Coordinator, voiced these concerns during a press briefing in Kano. He highlighted the adverse effects of the 50% tariff increase on data, calls, and SMS sanctioned by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which complicates internet access for communities with already poor connectivity.
Hadeija pointed out that families in underserved areas now incur significant expenses to facilitate their children’s online learning. He stated, “Now that data charges have been jerked up by 50%, students and parents in underserved areas have to ‘dearly’ pay to enable their children to learn online.” This price rise not only thwarts digital advancement but also hampers access for millions of Nigerians.
Despite advancements in broadening internet access, a 2022 Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) report estimates that 27.91 million individuals in 97 underserved communities still lack internet access, further disenfranchising students, youth, and women, especially in rural settings.
Hadeija explained that without internet, parents must send children significant distances just to participate in computer-based tests and access results, which he deemed unfair. He emphasized the need for immediate policy interventions to mitigate the digital divide.
CITAD advocates for the Minister for Digital Economy to officially acknowledge community networks as vital connectivity providers. Hadeija urged the USPF to provide grants that would enable local communities to develop their connectivity initiatives, stating that these community networks should be viewed as complementary to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
Furthermore, CITAD recommends implementing capacity-building programs to empower local communities, focusing on resource mobilization and sustainability to foster self-reliant, community-based networks.
In summary, the rising costs of internet data in Nigeria threaten to deepen the existing connectivity gap, particularly affecting underserved communities. CITAD urges immediate policy action to recognize community networks and improve internet access for marginalized populations. By empowering local initiatives, the nation can work toward bridging this critical digital divide.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
