CITAD warns that rising data costs in Nigeria are worsening the digital divide, impacting underserved communities’ access to online services. The 50% tariff increase approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission complicates connectivity for marginalized groups. The center calls for urgent policy measures and support for community networks to enhance internet access across the country.
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has expressed serious concerns regarding the rising cost of internet data in Nigeria, which is likely to exacerbate the country’s existing digital divide. According to CITAD, the increase in data pricing will result in many underserved communities remaining disconnected from essential online services, negatively impacting their access to information and education.
During a press briefing in Kano, Haruna Adamu Hadeija, CITAD’s Coordinator of Community Network, highlighted the detrimental effects of escalating data costs on marginalized groups. He stated that the 50% increase in tariffs for data and communication services, sanctioned by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has rendered it more challenging for communities already plagued by poor connectivity to utilize online resources.
Hadeija emphasized the real burden that these cost hikes place on families in underserved areas, as they are compelled to pay significantly more for internet access. He remarked, “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 situation not only widens the connectivity gap but also makes digital equity increasingly unattainable for millions.
Despite advancements in internet accessibility, a 2022 Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) report indicates that approximately 27.91 million people in 97 underserved communities are still without internet access. Hadeija underlined how this lack of connectivity continues to marginalize students, youth, and women, particularly in rural settings, forcing families to impractically seek distant solutions for educational opportunities.
CITAD has called for urgent policy frameworks to address the persistent digital divide and urged the Minister for Digital Economy to officially recognize community networks as vital components in Nigeria’s connectivity landscape. Hadeija insisted, “We urge the USPF to support local communities with grants to deploy their own connectivity initiatives. These community networks are not competitors to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs); they are complementary solutions to bridge the existing connectivity gap.”
Moreover, CITAD proposed initiatives aimed at building local capacity to enhance resource mobilization and sustainability, enabling communities to cultivate their own self-sufficient networks.
In summary, CITAD has articulated significant concerns regarding the rising costs of internet data in Nigeria, which will likely deepen the digital divide. With a substantial portion of the population lacking access to necessary online resources, the call for policy interventions and recognition of community networks as crucial connectivity providers is imperative. By supporting local initiatives and fostering self-sufficient networks, Nigeria can work towards bridging the critical connectivity gap affecting millions.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
