Open Letter To Dinesh Balsingh, Airtel MD/CEO

BY ADEOLA ADEPOJU

Mr. Dinesh Balsingh,

Congratulations on your recent appointment as the Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Nigeria. Your leadership comes at a pivotal time for both the company and the telecommunications industry in our nation.

As one of Nigeria’s leading telecom providers, Airtel plays a crucial role in shaping our ICT landscape and larger economy. Your services touch the lives of millions of Nigerians daily, enabling communication, business transactions, and access to information. This responsibility is immense, especially in light of recent developments and challenges facing the industry.

The recent renewal and expansion of tower tenancies with IHS Nigeria is a commendable step towards improving network coverage and quality.

I also want to commend the company on the acquisition of three new licenses by your subsidiary. This move demonstrates Airtel’s commitment to exploring new revenue opportunities. This diversification is crucial in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Please ensure that these new ventures don’t come at the expense of core service quality.

The announcement of Airtel Nigeria’s plans to roll out 5G services is exciting news for the country’s digital future. We need a balanced approach to network upgrades, encompassing both cutting-edge technology and improved basic services, is essential.

However, the persistent “diesel challenge” highlighted in recent reports underscores the need for sustainable solutions to power infrastructure. This issue not only affects service quality but also impacts your operational costs and, ultimately, consumer pricing.

I recognize that providing stable power is the responsibility of the government, however I urge you to prioritise innovative solutions to this challenge.

The installation of the Eutelsat OneWeb satellite dish is an excellent example of forward-thinking infrastructure development. Such initiatives can significantly enhance connectivity, especially in underserved areas.

In addition, while acknowledging the impact the recent devaluation of the Naira must have had on Airtel’s operations, it is crucial that these economic pressures don’t translate into diminished service quality or unreasonable price hikes for consumers. Your approach to navigating these economic headwinds will be closely watched by both customers and industry observers.

As more Nigerians work and study from home, reliable and affordable broadband has become essential. I urge you to continue innovating in this space, ensuring that your services remain accessible, reliable and affordable for all segments of society.

I also advise that you work closely with Mr President’s team of advisers including the Minister of Communications Bosun Tijani, NCC Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida and Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy Idris Alubankudi as this falls directly within their purview. I am confident that together you can salvage the telecommunications sector. May we never return to the days of NITEL.

In conclusion, Mr. Balsingh, your tenure at Airtel Nigeria comes with great opportunities and significant challenges. The road ahead may be complex, but with a commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and a focus on the needs of the Nigerian people, Airtel can continue to play a pivotal role in our nation’s digital transformation.

I look forward to seeing how you navigate these challenges and opportunities, driving Airtel Nigeria towards greater heights while contributing positively to our nation’s progress.

Sincerely,

Adeola Adepoju