Nigerians are increasingly frustrated by poor network connectivity and unreliable phone services, prompting a sharp criticism of the National Communications Commission (NCC), Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and major telecom providers.

Comrade Usman Okai Austin, a political activist from Kogi State, has launched a scathing attack on the NCC for neglecting its core mandate to ensure seamless communication services for all citizens.

“The NCC is supposed to be the watchdog that guarantees reliable telecommunication across Nigeria,” Okai said. “They understand the importance of stable power and infrastructure in providing quality services, yet they have failed completely despite Nigerians paying exorbitant fees for data and network subscriptions.”

Okai condemned what he described as “unchecked profiteering” by telecom companies, lamenting that “network providers charge any amount they like, but ordinary Nigerians get little to no value for their money.” He highlighted that while subscribers pay through their noses, telecom companies remain unbothered by the persistent service failures.

“This is totally unacceptable,” he said. “Millions of Nigerians are paying for data plans they cannot use effectively because of poor network quality. Yet the major players continue to operate with impunity, comfortable in their failure to meet customer expectations.”

He further criticized the NCC for its seeming indifference. “While subscribers suffer, the regulator appears complacent, failing to hold service providers accountable.”

Comrade Austin is now calling on the National Assembly to exercise its oversight functions urgently. “It is time for legislators to wake up and intervene,” he urged. “Nigerians deserve affordable, reliable communication services—they cannot continue to be shortchanged by both providers and regulators.”

The ongoing mobile network frustrations underscore deeper systemic issues in Nigeria’s telecom industry, where poor infrastructure and regulatory lapses stall progress and worsen the burden on consumers.