The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has written a petition to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over a three-month internet blackout affecting Zamfara North Senatorial District, of the State.

SolaceBase reports that in an open letter addressed to the NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, on Saturday, Zonal Secretary, NUJ Zone A, Abdulrazak Bello Kaura, raised alarm over the situation, describing it as a “digital blackout” that has left four local government areas — Birnin Magaji, Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, and Zurmi — in complete isolation from internet services provided by MTN, Airtel, and Glo.

According to him, the affected areas, with a combined population of over 1.78 million people, have been thrown into economic and social distress as businesses collapse, schools struggle, and youths lose access to digital opportunities.

“Zamfara North is blessed with talented and innovative youths who thrive on digital businesses and modern entrepreneurship. Cutting off internet services has paralyzed businesses, disrupted education, and forced many young people into joblessness and migration, thereby creating fertile ground for insecurity and social unrest,” Kaura stated in the letter.

He expressed concern that idle youths could become vulnerable to criminal recruitment and radicalization, warning that the blackout was compounding the state’s fragile security situation.

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Citing the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, Kaura faulted telecom operators for failing to provide explanations to subscribers and urged the NCC to enforce its regulatory powers.

He called on the commission to direct service providers to immediately restore connectivity in Zamfara North, compel operators to compensate subscribers for the prolonged blackout, and ensure strict compliance with the requirement to notify customers before any service disruption.

Kaura, who also serves as Zonal Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone A (Northwest) and National President of the Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda Alumni Association, stressed that Zamfara North remains one of the fastest-growing regions in Nigeria and cannot afford to be left behind in the digital economy.

“We count on your timely and decisive action to safeguard our future, restore trust, and uphold the NCC’s mandate as a true regulator for the people,” he added.