Senate To Probe Rising Cost Of Data Services

The Senate Committee on Communications was given the task of looking into the recent rise in data costs and come up with recommendations for more sustainable and business-friendly telecommunications sectors on Wednesday.

Following a debate on a bill sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), resolutions were introduced to discuss the financial strain that the price increase has placed on millions of Nigerians, particularly young people who rely on affordable internet access for their livelihoods.

The bill stated that “much of Nigerians, especially young people who rely on the internet for their livelihood, are under a significant financial strain due to the over 200% cost increase.”

Senate passes a bill mandating citizen registration

The Senate instructed the Federal Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to review the data costs and “ensure that pricing remains fair and affordable for all Nigerians” among the resolutions that were passed.

The bill identified a number of factors that contributed to Nigeria’s high cost of telecommunications, including:

* Unreliable power supply and poor infrastructure

* High import taxes on ICT equipment

* Mehr taxes and exorbitant regulatory fees

* Security-related issues causing higher operational risks and insurance expenses

* Bureaucratic bottlenecks stifle innovation and business growth

* High fuel costs and alternative energy costs as a result of the nation’s unreliable national grid.

The lawmakers also vowed to ask the Federal Government to work with telecom providers to review recent price increases and ensure fair and affordable pricing in order to address the issues.

The repeal and reenactment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act resulted in the passage of a bill that mandates the mandatory registration of citizens.

The Committee on National Identity Card and Population, which was led by Senator Victor Umeh representing Anambra Central, submitted and considered a report.

Umeh explained that the legislation aims to create a standardized, cost-effective identity system that adheres to international best practices, improves data accuracy, promotes inclusion, and closes existing gaps in Nigeria’s identity database.

Source: Channels TV