The growing cost of internet data in Nigeria has sparked worries from the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), which cautions that it would exacerbate the nation’s already-existing digital divide.

According to the center, many underprivileged groups would be unable to obtain necessary online services as a result of the growth of data.

This was disclosed by Haruna Adamu Hadeija, CITAD’s Community Network Coordinator, during a news conference on Monday at the CITAD office in Kano.

He underlined how underprivileged groups are affected by growing data costs.

Hadeija claims that the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) 50% pricing hike on data, calls, and SMS has made it harder for communities who already face inadequate connection to get internet access.

“For millions of Nigerians, this cost increase not only widens the already existing connectivity gap but also makes digital liberation all but impossible.”

Hadeija pointed out that although Nigeria has made progress in increasing internet connectivity, a 2022 report by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) estimates that 27.91 million people in 97 underserved locations still do not have internet access.

He emphasized how students, young people, and women—especially those living in rural areas—continue to be disenfranchised by this lack of connectedness.

Parents must send their kids far from home to register for computer-based assessments, administer exams, and view their results in areas without internet connection. Many towns are left behind because they cannot afford internet connections, which is unfair,” he continued.

In order to combat the growing digital divide, the CITAD coordinator emphasized the necessity of immediate governmental initiatives.

He urged the nation’s minister of the digital economy to formally acknowledge community networks as an extra tier of connection providers.

“We implore the USPF to provide grants to local communities so they can implement their own connection projects. Hadeija urged, “These community networks are complementary solutions to close the current connectivity gap, not rivals to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).”

In order to empower local communities in sustainability and resource mobilization and to establish self-sufficient, community-centered networks, CITAD also suggested capacity-building programs.