The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has dismissed allegations that it ordered telecommunications operators to suppress calls and compress the network to hinder the activities of #Endbadgovernance protesters.
The NCC described these accusations as “awkward” and a disservice to the technological advancements Nigeria has achieved.
A reliable source from the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria (ALTON) echoed the NCC’s stance, calling the allegations “absurd.”
The source stated that the telcos had not received any such instructions from the NCC and could not imagine the commission issuing such an “untenable” order.
A senior official at the NCC, who requested anonymity, said, “People should understand that the NCC is pro-people.
There is no way we could have given such an instruction.
Even if it were possible, the commission would be opening itself to blackmail and would be at the mercy of operators who may capitalize on such an anti-people instruction to demand things difficult for the commission to grant.”
The official further emphasized that the NCC was more concerned with ensuring access to telecommunications and protecting infrastructure during the crisis.
“So that when people find themselves in places of emergency, they would be able to communicate with their families and loved ones,” he added.
Addressing the claims, the official questioned the logic behind the accusations, asking, “The TV stations that have been getting information from their correspondents all over the country, through which channel were they doing so? So, there was nothing like sabotage.”
The allegations emerged on the first day of the protest, with some individuals claiming that the network issues began the night before and continued, making it difficult to upload or download pictures and videos during the protest.
Social media users, including one identified as Martins, expressed frustration, stating, “Network is terrible since yesterday evening. Abi government doesn’t want us to get updates?”
Similarly, Lagos-based musician Mr. Samuel Nsika complained, “Network has really disturbed me since morning.
I haven’t been able to do any reasonable thing online. I think the government is trying to frustrate protesters.”
In a related account, Mrs. Florence, an 80-year-old grandmother who regularly communicates with her family via WhatsApp, reported difficulties in connecting with her loved ones since the morning.
Despite these claims, the NCC has firmly denied any involvement in network disruption, reiterating its commitment to maintaining open communication channels during the ongoing protests.
