Early 1960s: In fact, no single family in Minna had a private line – Abdulsalami Abubakar

According to a report by the Punch on Saturday, June 20, 2026, former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has reflected on how poor communication infrastructure in Nigeria during the 1960s contributed to the collapse of his first romantic relationship while he was undergoing military training in Germany.

In his autobiography, Call of Duty, the retired general recounted that he had been engaged before travelling abroad in 1964.

However, maintaining contact with his fiancée proved nearly impossible due to the severe limitations of Nigeria’s telecommunications system at the time.

Explaining the situation, Abdulsalami revealed that communication options were extremely limited, making it difficult for him to stay in touch with loved ones back home. Recalling the reality of life in Minna during that period, he stated, “In fact, no single family in Minna had a private line.......>>