Telecommunications operators in Nigeria, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and T2 Mobile, say real-time electronic transmission of results across the country is possible.
They dismissed claims by the Godswill Akpabio led Senate that Nigeria lacks adequate telecom infrastructure to support real-time electronic transmission of election results.
The operators described the Senate’s position as based on “half-truth,” urging lawmakers to obtain accurate data from the industry regulator rather than rely on what they termed outdated or misleading information.
Naija News reports that the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, told newsmen that any information about telecom infrastructure and coverage not emanating from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) could not be relied upon.
“Upon which survey or statistics is the Senate coming up with its position of inadequate telecom infrastructure?
“As we speak today, over 70 per cent of the country is covered with 3G and 4G, and 5G has about 11 per cent coverage, and the rest is 2G.
“Even in reality, 2G is strong enough to transmit results electronically. I do not know where the Senate is getting its information but we can’t take that blanket ban on electronic transmission based on a half-truth about our infrastructure and investments,” he said.
The Senate had cited gaps in communications and power infrastructure as reasons for rejecting mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results in the ongoing amendment to the Electoral Act.
However, Adebayo insisted that the argument does not reflect current realities in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.
“We agree that there are just maybe about two states that, due to insurgency, that our members cannot risk going to maintain facilities.”
“But that is what all stakeholders can sit together and decide how to cover those places.”
“It’s not enough to say the country is not ready for electronic transmission,” he added.
Adebayo’s position aligns with that of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which in 2022 dismissed fears over network challenges.
INEC explained that, where connectivity is weak, results uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV) would automatically be transmitted once the devices move into areas with network coverage.
The renewed disagreement between lawmakers and telecom operators comes amid intense debate over Clause 60(3) of the proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
This has sparked protests and lobbying over whether electronic transmission of results should be made mandatory and in real time ahead of the 2027 general elections.