Nigerian telecom operators have refuted claims of deliberate internet disruptions during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests. Instead, they have attributed the network outages to physical damage caused by protesters.
According to Gbolahan Awonuga, Executive Secretary of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), multiple internet cables were cut in various parts of the country by individuals involved in the protests. These acts of vandalism, Awonuga emphasized, resulted in widespread network disruptions.
“There is no truth to the allegations of deliberate interference,” Awonuga stated. “The issue is purely technical, caused by the damage inflicted on our infrastructure.”
ALTON has reportedly initiated discussions with the National Security Adviser to secure clearance for repair crews to access damaged sites. The association is urging the public to exercise patience as efforts are underway to restore normal internet services as quickly as possible.
The protests, which saw thousands of Nigerians take to the streets to demand good governance and an end to police brutality, sparked intense debate over the role of internet access in facilitating civic engagement and accountability.