In recent months, residents of Abuja and its environs have endured an alarming deterioration in mobile network services. For six months, businesses, banks, and individuals have been grappling with a crisis that has left many wondering whether this is a case of sheer incompetence or something more sinister — economic sabotage. With crucial sectors like banking, business centers, and the Point of Sale (POS) services heavily reliant on mobile networks, this breakdown has inflicted serious consequences on the nation’s economy. The gravity of the situation raises questions about who is to blame and what steps must be taken to resolve it.
Investigation by Abuja Network News reveals that the widespread failure of mobile networks is crippling businesses that rely on seamless connectivity. At bank branches across the capital, such as Access Bank’s Area 3 Branch and Ecobank in Lugbe, frustrated customers have been stranded for hours while trying to complete simple tasks like activating their newly issued ATM cards. According to a customer at Access Bank, “I’ve been coming here for four days, and I can’t activate my ATM card because of the poor network. This is not just frustrating — it’s causing financial losses for people like me who depend on quick banking services.” This reality is replicated in many bank branches across the city, where businesses have come to a standstill, and daily operations have been severely impeded.
Businesses dependent on online banking transfers, POS machines, and even internet-based communication tools have reported similar grievances. Mr. Emmanuel, a small business owner in Garki, explained how his POS machine, which typically processes dozens of transactions daily, now sits idle due to poor mobile connectivity. “I haven’t been able to do anything for days. Customers come in, and I have to turn them away because the network is too weak to complete transactions. This is killing small businesses,” he lamented. The consequences are severe, especially at a time when the economy is already strained from inflation and the effects of the recent fuel subsidy removal.
As this crisis drags on, questions about economic sabotage begin to emerge. For many Nigerians, this is not just a case of network failure, but an intentional disruption aimed at crippling key sectors of the economy. In a nation where the private sector’s strength and reliability are critical for growth, this kind of network breakdown can lead to devastating consequences. Poor network quality can paralyze entire industries, resulting in missed opportunities, reduced productivity, and billions in losses.
Historically, Nigeria, like many other African nations, has been a victim of political and economic manipulation by global powers, particularly from the Global North. These powers often use subtle forms of sabotage to destabilize countries that show signs of economic progress. Whether it’s through trade restrictions, market disruptions, or technological setbacks, the goal is often the same — to maintain influence and control over developing economies. The current state of Nigeria’s mobile networks, especially the fact that all major service providers seem to be affected, raises concerns that there may be external forces at play. Could this be another form of modern-day economic sabotage meant to stall Nigeria’s growth?
Economic sabotage, whether internal or external, can have far-reaching consequences for a nation. One need only look to other countries that have suffered similar fates. In Venezuela, for example, economic sabotage from within and from global powers contributed to the country’s dramatic economic collapse. Once the wealthiest nation in Latin America, Venezuela is now grappling with hyperinflation, widespread poverty, and an almost complete breakdown of public services. While Nigeria has not yet reached such extremes, the current network crisis is a reminder of how quickly things can spiral out of control if left unaddressed.
In Nigeria, where many citizens already struggle with the cost of living, compounded by unemployment and political instability, the possibility of economic sabotage is not far-fetched. Yet, at the same time, we cannot overlook the likelihood of incompetence and corruption. The Nigerian telecommunications industry has long been plagued by inefficiencies, poor management, and allegations of corruption. Network providers have often promised improved services without delivering, leaving customers with poor connectivity, frequent downtimes, and exorbitant charges. A failure to properly maintain infrastructure, coupled with poor oversight from regulatory bodies, may also explain the current crisis.
Nonetheless, whether the problem stems from incompetence, corruption, or intentional sabotage, the consequences remain the same. Businesses cannot operate without reliable mobile networks, and the longer this issue persists, the more the economy will suffer. The ramifications extend far beyond just day-to-day inconveniences for businesses and consumers. The breakdown in mobile networks threatens Nigeria’s economic stability, jeopardizing investments and eroding public trust in essential services.
In light of this, the Nigerian government must take immediate and decisive action. Now more than ever, intervention is needed to prevent a full-blown economic collapse caused by unreliable mobile networks. The government, through its regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), must hold telecommunications companies accountable for their poor services and ensure that the necessary improvements are made. There should also be a thorough investigation into the possibility of sabotage, with full transparency and public accountability.
In his remarks on the state of Nigeria’s economy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has often stressed the importance of resilience and adaptability. However, for businesses and individuals who are dependent on mobile networks, resilience is becoming increasingly difficult in the face of these challenges. The government must act swiftly, not only to address the immediate crisis but also to safeguard the country’s future economic stability.
As Nigeria faces this network crisis, one thing is clear: the country cannot afford to let economic sabotage — or incompetence — derail its progress. The government, citizens, and private sector must come together to confront this challenge head-on, ensuring that Nigeria’s economy remains strong and resilient even in the face of adversity. Failure to do so will only deepen the nation’s economic woes and further erode confidence in the ability to build a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
The time for action is now.
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