APC rep: Telecoms reforms alone can secure Tinubu re-election

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the house of representatives, says the reforms in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector under President Bola Tinubu are strong enough to guarantee him a second term.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Agbese said while Nigerians have endured economic hardship from reforms in other sectors, the “transformation” in telecoms has remained a visible success that touches the daily lives of millions.

According to him, if the current momentum is sustained, the sector will become Tinubu’s most compelling re-election asset.

“When millions of Nigerians get safer, more reliable connectivity, and when our networks begin to deliver broadband that supports jobs, education and business, citizens will remember who made that possible,” he said.

“That is why reforms in this sector alone can merit another mandate for President Tinubu.”

Agbese said one of the most significant achievements has been the consolidation of the national identification number (NIN) and subscriber identity module (SIM) linkage.

“What had lingered for years under previous administrations was achieved within one year of Tinubu’s presidency, cleaning up the database of active mobile lines and strengthening national security,” he said.

Figures from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) show that more than 153 million SIMs have been harmonised with the NIN.

Agbese described the feat as “one of the most far-reaching exercises in Nigeria’s digital history”.

The lawmaker also highlighted progress in broadband expansion, citing NCC data, which indicates steady growth in penetration since 2023.

He said improved access to high-speed internet is changing the landscape of education, business and civic engagement.

“Connectivity is the new infrastructure. More people online means more economic activity, more taxation base and more resilience. This is the quiet revolution that the Tinubu administration is delivering,” Agbese said.

He commended the NCC for ensuring better service delivery and value for money, while also pushing corporate social responsibility initiatives to ensure telecoms investment benefits communities.

Agbese said the push towards 5G technology and careful management of spectrum licensing further highlight the government’s commitment to future-proofing Nigeria’s digital economy.

He added that the policy environment has given operators confidence to keep investing despite forex pressures and a tough macroeconomic climate.

The lawmaker also praised the administration for suspending proposed levies on telecom services that would have raised the cost of calls and data.

According to him, the fiscal relief has helped keep services affordable at a time when households are battling high living costs.

“President Tinubu deserves credit for recognising the strategic importance of this sector and making the right calls,” he said.

“By removing unnecessary levies and encouraging reforms that promote investment, the government has ensured that Nigeria remains one of the fastest-growing digital markets in Africa.”

Agbese admitted that challenges remain, particularly in extending services to rural communities and preventing tariff hikes from widening the digital divide.

He urged private operators to increase investment while calling on regulators to maintain policy stability.

He added that despite the hurdles, the telecoms sector provides a powerful story of delivery that the administration can take to Nigerians.

“Delivery on telecoms is tangible for ordinary Nigerians. It is visible in schools, markets and farms. It is the kind of delivery that people feel – and remember – when they go to vote,” Agbese said.