Benue Federal Lawmaker commends Tinubu’s telecom gains

Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making gains in telecommunication sector.

In an interview with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, the law maker said, the achievements were critical enough to secure him a second term of office.

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The Deputy Spokesman of the House said, out of reforms sweeping across all sectors under President Tinubu, telecom sector has shown visible gains that touch millions daily.

Gains in the telecom sector, he said would be Tinubu’s re-election asset if sustained.

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According to him, the reform in telecom sector was foundational leading to safer and reliable connectivity that supports jobs creation, education and business.

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

He cited the consolidation of the National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) linkage as a key achievement.

During a conference in Lagos in 2024, NCC boasted to have completed the 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 stated.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission, over 153 million SIMs have now been harmonised with the NIN, which Agbese described as “one of the most far-reaching exercises in Nigeria’s digital history.”

He also pointed to broadband expansion, with NCC data showing steady growth since 2023.

“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,” he said.

Agbese praised the regulator for driving improved service delivery and said telecoms investment was now leaving wider community impact through corporate social responsibility.

He added that the push towards 5G and spectrum management was proof of efforts to future-proof the digital economy.

He noted that the policy environment has boosted operator confidence despite forex and economic pressures.

Agbese also commended Tinubu for suspending proposed telecom levies that would have raised the cost of calls and data.

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

“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,” he said.

He acknowledged remaining challenges, including rural access and tariff stability, urging private operators to invest further and regulators to keep policies consistent.

“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.

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