Sokoto assembly summons GSM, internet service providers over poor network

The Sokoto State House of Assembly has officially summoned telecommunications operators and regulators, demanding immediate improvements to the consistently poor GSM and internet services across the state. The decision followed the adoption of a motion expressing deep concern over the deteriorating network quality.

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Telecommunications services have become an essential component of modern life, facilitating communication, commerce, education, healthcare, banking, governance, security, and emergency response.

The motion, sponsored by Aminu Gidado (APC, Sokoto South II) and seconded by Shamsu Aliyu (APC, Wurno), highlighted the growing frustration among residents. Citizens are experiencing weak network coverage, frequent call drops, delayed text messages, and prolonged service outages, which Gidado described as affecting every sector of the state's economy.

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network services in some parts of Sokoto State often remain unavailable for several hours and, in some cases, for an entire day.

Gidado emphasized that telecommunications services are now indispensable for modern life, facilitating communication, commerce, education, healthcare, banking, governance, security, and emergency response. He lamented that network services in some areas of Sokoto are often unavailable for extended periods, disconnecting citizens from essential services and communication channels.

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This disconnects citizens from their families, businesses, government services, and emergency communication.

The persistent network failures have had a significant negative impact on businesses, students, civil servants, security agencies, healthcare providers, and financial institutions, leading to economic losses and considerable hardship. Lawmakers noted that subscribers continue to pay substantial charges for services they do not receive satisfactorily. In response, the Assembly's relevant committee is tasked with inviting representatives from service providers and regulatory agencies to explain the recurring challenges and outline a clear plan for their resolution. The state government has also been urged to collaborate with federal agencies and providers to enhance network infrastructure.

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Subscribers continue to pay substantial charges for voice, data, and other telecommunications services despite not receiving satisfactory value for their money.