Telecoms: Obasanjo will never see lack — Okoh Aihe

A commentary by communications expert Okoh Aihe has highlighted the far-reaching impact of Nigeria’s telecommunications reforms, suggesting that former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s role in liberalising the sector has left a lasting legacy.
In the reflective piece, Aihe recounts an everyday moment in which a casual phone conversation served as a reminder of how accessible communication has become in modern Nigeria. He noted that the ability of ordinary citizens to connect easily with friends and relatives across long distances reflects the transformation brought about by policy decisions that opened up the telecoms industry.
The writer argued that the expansion of mobile networks and the growth of digital connectivity have significantly improved social interactions, business opportunities and access to information. According to him, these changes have reshaped the country’s economic and social landscape in ways that continue to influence daily life.
Aihe also observed that the telecoms revolution has helped bridge communication gaps, foster innovation and support the emergence of new sectors driven by technology and entrepreneurship.
The commentary suggested that while Nigeria still faces challenges in infrastructure and affordability, the gains recorded in telecommunications remain a key milestone in the country’s development trajectory.
He concluded that the lasting benefits of the reforms serve as a reminder of how strategic policy decisions can impact generations, enabling citizens to participate more actively in a connected global environment.