Bosun Tijani, tech companies face undue harassment

Dear Honorable Minister Bosun Tijani, as the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, your leadership has been instrumental in advancing Nigeria’s digital landscape through various initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering innovation.

You recently set up a five-man ministerial committee to review operational conditions and propose fiscal measures to cushion the impact of macroeconomic pressures on telecommunications operators in Nigeria.Terms of reference for the ministerial committee included considering and proposing incentives to improve backward integration in the telecoms industry with a view to cumulative reductions on the dependence on foreign exchange (FX) for the provisioning of telecoms services in Nigeria, review existing local content strategies for the telecoms sector, to realign all local content initiatives and programs with the programs and policies of the current administration, review fiscal measures with direct or consequential impact on the telecoms industry and propose initiatives that can provide relief to telecoms operators.

Your ambitious goal of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027, along with projects like the $2 billion Fibre Fund, the Broadband Alliance, and the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program — a critical part of the Renewed Hope agenda — are commendable steps toward bridging the connectivity gap across urban and rural areas.

However, I must bring to your attention a pressing issue that threatens to undermine these efforts.

Recent reports in the media indicate that certain high-ranking people in this government are allegedly manipulating and forcing regulatory agencies like the ones in charge of communications, information technology development, and data protection to intimidate and harass companies in telecommunications, technology, and related services.

If this is true, and such an act continues, this behavior not only jeopardizes the integrity of your ministry but also poses a significant risk to the stability of Nigeria’s economy.

In this context, protecting tech companies from undue harassment is essential for fostering economic resilience and ensuring that investments translate into jobs and opportunities for Nigerians. The telecommunications sector is particularly vital for driving innovation and connectivity across all sectors of the economy.

Minister Tijani, your leadership is crucial in safeguarding the integrity of regulatory agencies. I urge you to take a firm stance against these practices. Ensuring that these agencies operate free from political interference will not only protect businesses but also restore trust among stakeholders in the telecommunications sector.

Moreover, your initiatives—such as expanding broadband access through the Fiber Fund and enhancing existing infrastructure via the Broadband Alliance—are critical for creating an environment where innovation can thrive. By reinforcing these efforts with a commitment to ethical governance, you can help ensure that Nigeria’s digital economy flourishes without being hindered by internal sabotage.

The stakes are high, and your role is pivotal in shaping a conducive environment for innovation and growth. By standing firm against misuse of power within your ministry, you can help ensure that Nigeria’s economic recovery is both robust and sustainable.

I trust that you will rise to this challenge with integrity and determination.