On Wednesday, the Senate mandated the Senate Committee on Communications to investigate the recent increase in the cost of internet data packages by telecommunications companies in the country.
Recall that MTN had implemented another price hike on internet plans, the second time in the last three months after the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50 per cent tariff increase in January.
The probe was part of resolutions after a debate on a bill sponsored by Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong, the Senator representing Cross River South, which highlights the financial strain the price hike has placed on millions of Nigerians, particularly young people who rely on affordable internet access for their livelihoods.
The probe will also recommend solutions for a more sustainable and business-friendly telecommunications sector.
The bill noted that the over 200 per cent increase in costs had “placed significant financial strain on millions of Nigerians, especially young people who rely on the internet for their livelihood.
“Among resolutions passed, the Senate asked the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, to engage with telecommunications providers to review the data costs and “ensure that pricing remains fair and affordable for all Nigerians.”
The bill identified multiple factors contributing to the high cost of telecommunications in Nigeria, including poor infrastructure and unreliable power supply; high import duties on ICT equipment; multiple taxation and excessive regulatory charges; security concerns increasing operational risks and insurance costs; bureaucratic bottlenecks slowing business operations and innovation; and high diesel and alternative energy costs due to unreliable national grid supply
To resolve the challenges, lawmakers asked the federal government to engage with network providers to review recent data price increases and ensure fair and affordable pricing.
The red chamber also passed a bill mandating the compulsory registration of citizens to overhaul Nigeria’s identity management system through the repeal and reenactment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act.
The passage followed the submission and consideration of a report by the Committee on National Identity Card and Population, chaired by Mr Victor Umeh, the senator representing Anambra Central.
Mr Umeh explained that the legislation seeks to establish a harmonised, cost-effective identity system that aligns with global best practices, enhances data accuracy, promotes inclusion and closes existing gaps in Nigeria’s identity database.
Once signed into law, the bill also provides for the creation of a centralized database and a commission responsible for registering citizens and issuing identity cards. It now awaits consideration by the House of Representatives before being forwarded to the President for assent.