Telcos say Nigeria has sufficient network coverage for e-transmission

Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have rejected claims that poor network infrastructure could hinder the electronic transmission of election results, describing such concerns as misleading and not supported by industry data.

The operators, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and T2 Mobile, said existing network coverage is sufficient to support digital result uploads across most parts of the country.

Telecom operators challenge claims of weak infrastructure

Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, urged the Senate to rely on verified data from the Nigerian Communications Commission rather than what he described as incomplete or inaccurate information about network limitations.

According to Adebayo, more than 70 per cent of Nigeria currently has access to 3G and 4G network coverage, while approximately 11 per cent is covered by 5G infrastructure. He added that the remaining areas operate on 2G networks, which he said are still capable of supporting electronic transmission of election results.

He explained that although network maintenance challenges exist in some insurgency-affected areas, such cases are limited and do not reflect the broader national network landscape.

Adebayo argued that isolated connectivity issues should not be used to justify broader concerns about the feasibility of electronic result transmission nationwide.

Position aligns with INEC’s stance on digital transmission

The telecom operators’ position reinforces earlier assurances from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has consistently maintained that electronic result transmission remains viable.

INEC had previously explained that results uploaded through its Result Viewing Portal (IReV) can still be successfully transmitted once election officials move to areas with adequate network coverage, even if connectivity is initially unavailable at the polling unit.

The debate over network readiness has intensified amid ongoing electoral reforms and discussions about adopting electronic transmission systems to improve transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s elections.

Telecom operators insist that the country’s existing infrastructure already provides a strong foundation for digital election processes, stressing that policy decisions should be guided by accurate technical data rather than assumptions about network limitations.

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