Telecommunication companies in Nigeria have denied allegations that they provide free airtime, data, and other services to members of the National Assembly. The claims, which suggest that operators such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile extend pro bono services to the 109 senators and 360 representatives in the legislature, were debunked by the industry association.
Speaking during a program on Nigeria Info 99.3 FM on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, monitored by Techeconomy, Engineer Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), addressed the issue. Adebayo firmly stated, “We don’t provide pro bono services for any group of people, whether in private or in public [sector].”
He stressed that the telecommunications sector is guided by strict ethical standards and corporate governance principles. “These are ethical issues and related to [corporate] governance. We can’t come to public radio to make assumptions that certain people are getting certain benefits without facts. I’m sorry to say, we are a highly regulated sector,” he added.
Adebayo also noted that providing such free services could undermine the integrity of the industry, reiterating the commitment of telcos to discipline and ethical practices. “We do not offer pro bono services to avoid compromising the integrity of the institution(s),” he explained.
In a related development, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has reiterated his commitment to transparency as the foundation of his leadership. During a recent visit to Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Maida highlighted the importance of openness in strengthening the sector.
“Transparency is key. It is by transparency that we can self-regulate even as regulators. By so doing, we would be putting ourselves on our toes, which in the long run will drive the Commission forward to achieve our goals of operational excellence,” Maida stated.
Maida, who assumed office in October 2023, emphasized that fostering accountability and efficiency remains a top priority for the telecom regulator as it continues to build a resilient and effective institution.
