Renowned tech expert, Ebenezar Wey, has challenged claims that Nigeria cannot implement electronic transmission of election results, insisting that the country has the technological capacity to achieve seamless connectivity.
“The Senate knows very well that if they consult a tech professional—whether from the private sector or government—no one will say electronic transmission is impossible,” Wey said. “There are multiple alternatives to GSM networks, and the funding INEC receives is more than sufficient to make it happen.”
Wey highlighted solutions ranging from satellite networks and Starlink to traditional wide-area networks (WANs), noting that redundancies are standard practice in sectors like banking, where millions of customers depend on uninterrupted services. “If banks can ensure reliable connectivity for millions at a fraction of INEC’s budget, there’s no reason the electoral body cannot do the same for voters nationwide,” he added.
When approached for comment, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) declined to take sides, emphasizing its apolitical stance. A senior official, speaking anonymously, noted: “The telcos have invested heavily in networks that can enable the country to operate at levels comparable to global standards.”
Since 2021, Nigeria’s telecom sector has recorded significant growth. MTN Nigeria invested N565.7 billion in the first half of 2025 on fibre-to-the-home expansion, rural connectivity, and network densification. Airtel Nigeria activated 2,300 new sites in Q1 2025 alone. Broadband penetration has surpassed 50%, with over 109.6 million subscriptions by December 2025, up from 96.3 million the previous year. The Federal Government aims to reach 80% national connectivity by 2027.
Telcos have also driven over $1 billion in sector-wide investments in 2025, targeting fibre rollouts, base station expansion, and 4G and 5G upgrades. Key initiatives include the Government’s Project Bridge, which aims to expand the national fibre-optic infrastructure from 35,000 km to 125,000 km, and the Local Government 774 Connectivity Programme supporting telemedicine, e-education, and fintech services.
Industry leaders insist that rather than focusing on alleged telecom inadequacies, the Senate should implement policies to mitigate sector challenges, including fibre cuts, vandalism, power disruptions, and regulatory fragmentation. Addressing these issues, they argue, would ensure smooth electronic election result transmission and prevent debates over network viability in future elections.
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