By Abdurrazak Bello Kaura
The Executive Vice Chairman,
Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC)
Plot 423 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, FCT 900271,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Sir,
DIGITAL BLACKOUT IN ZAMFARA NORTH: AN APPEAL FOR URGENT INTERVENTION
On behalf of the people of Zamfara North Senatorial District, I write to passionately appeal for your urgent intervention regarding the complete cut-off of internet services in our zone by major service providers MTN, Airtel, and Glo for over three months without any official explanation to subscribers.
This disturbing situation has plunged *the zone* which made up of Birnin Magaji, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, and Zurmi local government areas with a combined population of over 1.78 million, into digital darkness.
Zamfara North is blessed with talented and innovative youths who thrive *on* digital businesses and modern entrepreneurship. It also 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.
Sir, history has shown that idle youths easily become vulnerable to criminal recruitment, radicalization, and other social vices when left without hope or meaningful engagement. By 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 Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, from which your functions are derived, is clear in Chapter 2, Section 4 about the Commission’s role in ensuring:
1 “The development and monitoring of performance standards and indices relating to the quality of telephone and other communications services and facilities supplied to consumers in Nigeria, having regard to the best international performance indicators.”
2 “The making and enforcement of regulations necessary to give full force and effect to the Act.”
3 “The resolution of disputes between operators, subscribers, or any other person involved in the communications industry through mediation or arbitration.”
Unfortunately, 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.
As a patriot and Publicity Secretary of the Kaura Namoda Focus Forum (KNFF), as well as in my capacity as a journalist and community leader, I humbly urge the NCC to:
1. Direct all telecom service providers to immediately restore internet services in Zamfara North.
2. Compel operators to compensate subscribers for the months of blackout.
3. Enforce strict compliance with the requirement to notify customers ahead of any service disruptions in the future.
4. Protect our teeming youths by ensuring uninterrupted access to digital opportunities that drive employment, education, and entrepreneurship.
Sir, Zamfara North is one of the fastest-growing regions in Nigeria, with a population projected at over 1.78 million (2025). Our communities cannot afford to be left behind in the digital economy while the rest of the country advance.
We count on your timely and decisive action to safeguard our future, restore trust, and uphold the NCC’s mandate as a true regulator for the people.
With highest regards,
Abdulrazak Bello Kaura
Development Journalist | Zonal Secretary, NUJ Zone A (Northwest)
National President, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda Alumni Association
Email: [abdulkaura21@gmail.com](mailto:abdulkaura21@gmail.com)
