From: Lydia Zakka
In the face of rising data fees under the current Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, social media users have taken to various platforms to hail the tenure of his predecessor, Professor Isah Ali Pantami. The reaction follows a significant increase in data prices, which has sparked widespread concern among Nigerians who rely on affordable internet services for work, education, and communication.
Professor Pantami, who served as the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy from 2019 to 2023, is being praised by many for his initiatives to make data more affordable and accessible to the average Nigerian. During his time in office, Pantami was instrumental in implementing policies that sought to reduce the cost of internet services, thereby helping to bridge the digital divide and improve access to online resources across the country.
Pantami's tenure was marked by several key achievements, including the National Broadband Plan aimed at expanding broadband access, and the regulatory measures that led to reductions in data tariffs. These policies, according to many social media users, empowered millions of Nigerians, especially those in remote areas, to better engage with the digital world.
However, with the recent increase in data costs, many have turned to social media to express dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs under Minister Bosun Tijani, whose administration has been seen by some as reversing the affordability gains made under Pantami's leadership. The hike in data prices has been attributed to several factors, including inflation and rising operational costs, but many users argue that these challenges could have been better mitigated through strategic government policies.
A large segment of online users, particularly youth, who are among the most active data consumers, have lamented the situation. A statement from the Social Media Users Forum, an online group with thousands of members, praised Professor Pantami’s achievements while highlighting the difficulties Nigerians now face with high data costs.
"Under Pantami's leadership, data prices were reduced, making it easier for students, entrepreneurs, and even small businesses to thrive in the digital space. Today, we are seeing a sharp rise in prices under the current minister, which is hurting the digital economy," the forum stated in a post that garnered thousands of likes, shares, and comments.
Many Nigerians have also taken to Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms to voice their concerns. "Pantami brought real change to the data sector. Now, with these hikes, it feels like we are going backward," tweeted one user. Another added, "Under Pantami, data was affordable and accessible. Now, everything has become so expensive, and it’s affecting so many people."
While the current Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has emphasized his administration’s focus on improving the digital infrastructure and services in Nigeria, the recent hike in data prices has overshadowed some of his early initiatives. Critics argue that the rising costs undermine the government's promises of improving digital access and inclusion, especially for students and entrepreneurs in rural areas who depend heavily on affordable data to stay connected.
The debate has sparked an important discussion about the need for policy consistency and strategic planning to ensure that technological progress is not just for the privileged few but benefits all Nigerians. Social media users have called on the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to address the issue urgently, with many urging the current government to consider the affordability of internet services as a top priority.
As the conversation continues to grow on digital platforms, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these concerns and whether it will adopt new measures to reverse the data fee hike and continue the progress made under Professor Pantami’s leadership.
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