Telcos Declare Nigeria's Telecom Infrastructure Fully Capable of Real-Time Election Transmission
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, has emphatically stated that Nigeria possesses sufficient telecom infrastructure to support real-time electronic transmission of election results. This declaration comes amid ongoing debates regarding the country's technological readiness for such electoral processes.
Questioning the Basis of Senate Claims
Addressing concerns raised about Nigeria's preparedness, Adebayo insisted that any assessment of telecom coverage not issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should be treated with extreme caution. He directly challenged the Senate's position, asking: "On what survey or data is the Senate basing its claim of inadequate telecom infrastructure?"
The telecom executive provided specific network coverage statistics to support his argument: "Currently, more than 70 percent of the country is covered by 3G and 4G networks. 5G coverage stands at about 11 percent, while the remaining areas are served by 2G."
2G Networks Also Capable of Supporting Transmission
Adebayo made a significant technical clarification, noting that even 2G networks are fully capable of supporting electronic transmission of election results. This addresses concerns about remote areas with limited network infrastructure.
"I don't know the source of the Senate's information," Adebayo stated, "but imposing a blanket ban on electronic transmission based on incomplete or inaccurate claims about infrastructure and investment is not justified."
Acknowledging Security Challenges in Specific Areas
The ALTON Chairman acknowledged that security challenges in approximately two states have created risks for telecom operators attempting to maintain facilities in certain locations. However, he emphasized that such localized issues should not be used to conclude that the entire country is unprepared for electronic transmission.
"These security-related challenges could be addressed collectively by relevant stakeholders," Adebayo explained, suggesting a collaborative approach rather than abandoning the electronic transmission initiative entirely.
Alignment with INEC's Previous Position
Adebayo's position aligns closely with that of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which in 2022 dismissed similar concerns about network coverage. INEC had previously explained its technical approach to handling temporary network challenges.
The electoral commission detailed that in areas experiencing temporary network issues, results uploaded to its iREV portal would automatically transmit once the devices entered locations with adequate network coverage. This built-in functionality addresses concerns about intermittent connectivity in remote voting locations.
The telecom industry's strong stance highlights the ongoing tension between technological capability assessments and political decisions regarding election processes in Nigeria. As the debate continues, stakeholders await further clarification from both legislative and regulatory bodies regarding the actual state of Nigeria's telecom infrastructure and its suitability for nationwide electronic transmission of election results.
