Digital blackout paralyzed businesses in four LGA’s of Zamfara State, seek NCC Intervention

From A. A Chakwa Gusau

The people of Zamfara North Senatorial District appeal for the urgent intervention of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regarding the complete cut-off of internet services in our zone.

The Publicity Secretary of Kaura Namoda Focus Forum (KNFF) and National Zonal Secretary of Nigeria Union of Journalists, North West Abdulrazaq Bello Kaura made the appeal on behalf of the people of the zone in an open letter addressed to the commission.

“The situation has plunged into digital darkness.

The zone is made up of four Local Governments which includes Birnin Magaji, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, and Zurmi local government areas with a combined population of over 1.78 million. Bello said.

The National Zonal Secretary also lamented how talented and innovative youths in the zone who thrive on digital businesses and modern entrepreneurship are now stranded.

“The senatorial district hosts the Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, several educational institutions, and strategic commercial hubs like Shinkafi and Kasuwar Daji international markets, attracting investors and traders from within and outside Nigeria. Cutting off internet services in such environment has paralyzed businesses, disrupted education, and forced many young people into joblessness and migration, thereby creating fertile ground for insecurity and social unrest. Bello said.

Bello further said idle youths easily become vulnerable to criminal recruitment, radicalization, and other social vices when left without hope or meaningful engagement.

“Denying over 1.7 million people access to internet services, we risk compounding our already fragile socio-economic and security challenges in Zamfara State. The letter stated.

The Publicity Secretary of the Kaura Namoda Focus Forum (KNFF) also drowned the attention of NCC on its slated mandate based on the 2003 Act.

“The prolonged silence and inaction by telecom operators in Zamfara North constitute a breach of trust, a disregard for subscribers’ rights, and a violation of NCC’s service quality obligations. Subscribers deserve not only reliable services but also timely information on any deliberate service disruption as a mark of respect for their rights and dignity. The latter read.

The forum described Zamfara North senatorial district as one of the fastest-growing regions in Nigeria, with a projected population of over 1.78 million (2025).

‘Our communities cannot afford to be left behind in the digital economy while the rest of the country advance. The Forum said.

The major service providers in the Zone are MTN, Airtel, and Glo.