Nigeria has capacity for Real-Time electronic transmission – Telcos

The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, has said Nigeria possesses adequate telecom infrastructure to support real-time electronic transmission of election results.

Speaking on concerns raised about the country’s readiness, Adebayo insisted that any assessment of telecom coverage not issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should be treated with caution.

“On what survey or data is the Senate basing its claim of inadequate telecom infrastructure?” he asked. “Currently, more than 70 percent of the country is covered by 3G and 4G networks. 5G coverage stands at about 11 percent, while the remaining areas are served by 2G.”

He added that even 2G networks are capable of supporting electronic transmission of results.

“I don’t know the source of the Senate’s information, but imposing a blanket ban on electronic transmission based on incomplete or inaccurate claims about infrastructure and investment is not justified,” he said.

Adebayo acknowledged that security challenges in about two states have made it risky for telecom operators to maintain facilities in certain locations. However, he stressed that such issues could be addressed collectively by relevant stakeholders rather than concluding that the entire country is unprepared for electronic transmission.

His position aligns with that of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which in 2022 dismissed similar concerns. INEC had explained that in areas with temporary network challenges, results uploaded to its iREV portal would automatically transmit once the devices entered locations with network coverage.