By Istifanus Baba
In recent times, the residents of Maiduguri, a bustling metropolis and the capital of Borno State, have been grappling with significant issues related to mobile network services.
For many, reliable connectivity is not just a convenience but a necessity. Businesses, education, healthcare, and communication with loved ones are all increasingly dependent on the availability and stability of network services.
Yet, residents find themselves struggling daily with inconsistent signals, dropped calls, and painfully slow internet speeds, especially on networks like MTN and Airtel, which have a considerable market share in the region.
As one of the cities severely affected by insurgency in the past decade, Maiduguri has faced numerous challenges.
However, with gradual recovery, there’s a pressing need for infrastructure that can support the city’s reintegration into the nation’s economic and social fabric.
Digital connectivity is at the heart of this transformation. From local entrepreneurs to students attending online classes, connectivity has become a bridge to opportunities and information.
Yet, the current state of network services disrupts progress, leaving residents feeling marginalized.MTN and Airtel, as two of Nigeria’s largest telecommunications providers, have a responsibility to ensure that their network services reach all parts of the country equitably.
With both companies continually promoting slogans of inclusivity and national coverage, it is disheartening to see the situation in Maiduguri, where connectivity is almost a privilege rather than a right.
In a time when 4G and 5G networks are expanding globally, Maiduguri residents find it challenging to access even a basic 3G signal consistently.
The issues faced by the residents are not limited to slow internet speeds alone. Network instability affects everything from voice calls to text messaging, making it difficult for people to connect with others even within the city.
It is not uncommon for calls to suddenly drop, especially during peak hours, or for messages to arrive hours after they are sent.
Such a situation is not only frustrating but also dangerous in emergencies when reliable communication can be a matter of life and death.One might argue that infrastructure challenges in the North-East could be a contributing factor.
Yet, with both MTN and Airtel’s extensive resources, it should not be impossible to allocate more focus and resources to address these issues. Building and maintaining network infrastructure in Maiduguri might have its hurdles, but it is essential for a company’s vision and promises to align with the realities on the ground.
The people of Maiduguri deserve the same network quality as other parts of the country.Businesses, both small and large, have taken a hit from these network issues.
Many entrepreneurs rely on social media platforms and online communication to market their goods and services. When connectivity falters, they lose clients, face delays, and suffer financially.
In a region where people are working tirelessly to rebuild their lives post-conflict, reliable network services could be a crucial economic driver. It is frustrating for these business owners to know that they could be more productive if only their network providers would prioritize improvements.
For students in Maiduguri, especially those in higher institutions, the network issues have been a significant barrier to education.
As the world moves towards online learning platforms, students in Maiduguri are often left out due to their inability to access stable internet connections.
Assignments, virtual classes, and even basic research become nearly impossible when the network is slow or unavailable. Education is a fundamental right, and by not providing adequate network services, MTN and Airtel are indirectly impacting the quality of education students receive.
Healthcare has also been impacted. With telemedicine becoming increasingly viable, many healthcare providers require reliable internet to access remote consultations, digital health records, and emergency information.
For hospitals and clinics in Maiduguri, slow or erratic connectivity makes accessing these vital services challenging, potentially endangering patient lives.
The frequent network issues have left residents with limited options. Often, switching between providers in search of better service becomes a vicious cycle. If one network is down, many resort to another, only to find that it, too, has its own issues.
The inconsistency among providers creates a situation where residents feel they are not being heard or valued by these corporations.
Maiduguri, like any other part of Nigeria, contributes to the profitability of these telecom giants. Residents pay for call time, data plans, and network services just like users in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt.
It is, therefore, only fair that MTN and Airtel ensure a minimum standard of service, especially when people pay for a service they are not receiving adequately.Considering the financial strength of these telecom companies, it is not unreasonable to ask that they direct investments toward improving the quality of their networks in Maiduguri.
Establishing more cell towers, strengthening existing infrastructure, and maintaining regular system upgrades could go a long way toward solving these issues.
Many residents feel that if these companies can sponsor major events and campaigns, they should be able to address these fundamental infrastructure needs.
Furthermore, the National Communications Commission (NCC) should step in to hold these companies accountable for failing to provide adequate services. Regulations should not only exist on paper; there should be mechanisms to ensure compliance, particularly in underserved regions.
MTN and Airtel must be reminded of their obligations to their customers, and the NCC should act as a watchdog to protect consumer rights.
The media also has a role to play in amplifying the voices of the people of Maiduguri. By bringing these issues to light, more attention can be drawn to the pressing need for better network services. As it stands, network issues in Maiduguri have received insufficient coverage, leaving residents without a platform to share their struggles.
The people of Maiduguri are resilient and hardworking, striving daily to rebuild their lives. They have demonstrated remarkable strength in the face of adversity, and all they ask in return is fair treatment from their network providers.
MTN and Airtel have the resources and the responsibility to bring this change.In conclusion, the residents of Maiduguri call on MTN and Airtel to fulfill their promises of providing reliable network coverage across Nigeria.
They request that the necessary investments and upgrades be made so that they, too, can have equal access to the services that so many others in the country enjoy. Connectivity should not be a luxury; it should be a right for every Nigerian, including those in Maiduguri.
Istifanus Baba, 300 level student from Mass Communication Department University of Maiduguri, writes from Borno State
