:Residents of Zamfara North Senatorial District have raised alarm over what they described as an “unprecedented digital blackout” following the total cut-off of internet services in the area for more than three months.
In an open letter to the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Abdulrazak Bello Kaura, a development journalist and community leader, accused major telecom operators—MTN, Airtel and Glo—of shutting down internet services in Birnin Magaji, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi and Zurmi Local Government Areas without any explanation to subscribers.
Kaura, who is also the National President of the Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda Alumni Association, said the blackout has plunged over 1.78 million people into “digital darkness,” crippling businesses, disrupting education and driving many young people into unemployment and migration.
He warned that the prolonged shutdown could worsen insecurity in the region by making idle youths more vulnerable to criminal recruitment, radicalisation and social vices.
Citing the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, Kaura reminded the NCC of its statutory obligation to protect consumers and enforce service quality standards. He urged the Commission to immediately direct operators to restore services, compensate subscribers, and ensure customers are notified in advance of any future disruptions.
“Zamfara North is one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing regions. Our communities cannot afford to be left behind in the digital economy while the rest of the country advances,” he said, appealing for urgent regulatory intervention.
Telecom operators and the NCC are yet to officially respond to the concerns raised.