Sokoto Assembly adopts motion on poor GSM, internet services

The Sokoto State House of Assembly has adopted a motion expressing concern over persistent poor GSM and internet services across the state.

The motion, moved by Aminu Gidado, representing Sokoto South II Constituency, and seconded by Shamsu Aliyu of Wurno Constituency during Wednesday’s plenary, highlighted the impact of weak network coverage, frequent call drops, delayed messages and prolonged service outages on residents.

Presenting the motion, Gidado said unreliable telecommunications services had disrupted communication, business activities, education, healthcare, banking, security operations and access to government services across the state.

He noted that network services in some communities often become unavailable for several hours, and in some cases, for an entire day, leaving residents disconnected from essential services.

The lawmaker said the poor quality of service had also affected businesses, students, civil servants, security agencies, healthcare providers and financial institutions, resulting in economic losses and hardship.

Following contributions by members, the Speaker, Alhaji Tukur Bala, put the motion to a voice vote, and it was unanimously adopted.

The Assembly subsequently directed its relevant committee to invite representatives of telecommunications companies and regulatory agencies to explain the causes of the persistent network challenges and present measures to address them.

Lawmakers also urged the Sokoto State Government to work with relevant federal agencies and service providers to improve telecommunications infrastructure and service delivery across the state.