The Senate has instructed its Committee on Communications to examine the recent spike in data costs and propose measures for a more efficient and business-friendly telecom industry.
This decision on Wednesday, March 26, followed deliberations on a bill sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), which underscored the financial burden placed on Nigerians, particularly young people whose livelihoods depend on affordable internet access.
The bill stated that the over 200% surge in data prices has “placed significant financial strain on millions of Nigerians, especially young people who rely on the internet for their livelihood.”
As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to engage telecom companies in reviewing data charges to “ensure that pricing remains fair and affordable for all Nigerians.”
The bill outlined several reasons behind the soaring telecom costs, including inadequate infrastructure, erratic power supply, high import levies on ICT equipment, excessive regulatory fees, multiple taxation, security threats, and rising energy costs due to the nation’s unreliable power grid.
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In response, lawmakers called on the Federal Government to intervene and ensure that data pricing remains fair for consumers.
Additionally, the Senate approved a bill to reform Nigeria’s identity management framework by repealing and replacing the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act.
The proposal, submitted by the Committee on National Identity Card and Population, led by Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), aims to create a streamlined and cost-effective identity management system.
Umeh explained that the legislation seeks to align Nigeria’s identity registration with international standards, enhance data accuracy, expand access, and resolve existing inefficiencies in the national database.
If enacted, the bill will establish a centralised database and an overseeing commission responsible for registering citizens and issuing identity cards. It will now be reviewed by the House of Representatives before being forwarded to the President for approval.