CITAD Expresses Worries Over Lack Of Internet Access To 100m Nigerians, Demands Community Networks

By KATO P. LADAN, Kaduna

Worried by the statistics that over 100 million Nigerians lack access to Internet connectivity in 114 communities across the country, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Pantami to set up a national policy for the development of Community Networks.

Executive Director CITAD, Yunusa Zakari Yaú made the call at a press briefing in Kaduna on Wednesday.

“Call on the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy to set up a mechanism for the development of a National Policy for Community Networks,” he said.

CITAD also called on the NCC to develop guidelines and regulations for the operation of community networks in the country and to allow communities to access and use TV White Space (TVWS) for the purposes of setting up community networks.
” Enjoins the Galaxy Backbone PLC to provide communities with access to its backbone for them to use as their community networks getaways.
“The USPF to support the upgrading of the many community digital centres they set up in the country to serve as nucleus of community networks for communities that desirous and passionate to set up such in their communities.
“NITDA to work with communities at grassroots level to drive digital literacy which is critical for the effective utilization of digital technology and which is the foundation upon which the digital transformation agenda of the country will rest,” it further called.
Similarly, the group tasked  the private sector operators in the sector to as, their corporate social responsibility support communities building community networks.
“Call on all other stakeholders, including political office holders to support communities to go digital as critical contribution to community development,” he said.
The Executive Director explained that at the 16th edition of the global Internet Governance Forum (IGF)   commenced two days ago at Katowice, Poland, with the general theme of “United Internet”.