Senate Urges FG To Address Soaring Data Costs: A Cry For Affordable Internet

Senate Steps In: A Call for Reasonable Data Pricing

Listen up, folks. The Nigerian Senate is stepping into the ring to fight for the everyday Nigerian. They’ve issued a strong message to the federal government, urging immediate action to tackle the skyrocketing cost of data services from telecom companies. This isn’t just about a few extra coins here and there—it’s about accessibility, equity, and ensuring that Nigerians can keep up in an increasingly digital world.

Why This Matters: The Voice of Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong

Let me break it down for you. Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong from Cross River South brought this issue to the forefront during a heated plenary session on Wednesday. He pointed out that Nigerians are under immense financial strain because of the telecommunications companies’ pricing strategies. It’s not just about the internet being a luxury—it’s become a necessity. Whether you’re running a business, studying online, or simply staying connected with loved ones, the internet is no longer optional.

Ekpeyong made it crystal clear: the recent hike in data costs—up to 200% in some cases—is simply unsustainable. This isn’t just affecting your average Joe; it’s hitting young people especially hard. These are the individuals who rely on the internet for freelancing, remote work, e-commerce, and countless other opportunities. The burden of these increased costs is choking the life out of our digital economy.

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What’s Really Going On? The Senate’s Take

Here’s what the Senate had to say in their official motion: “The increased cost of data services in Nigeria has placed millions of Nigerians under financial duress. Telecommunication providers have hiked prices by as much as 200%, which is unacceptable. Young Nigerians, who are the backbone of our digital economy, are now at risk of losing their livelihoods.”

They went on to highlight the absurdity of the situation. While telecom companies claim high operational costs and unfavorable exchange rates as reasons for the price hike, the Senate finds these excuses baseless. Instead of addressing the root issues, the burden is unfairly being passed on to consumers. It’s like being slapped with a tax you didn’t even vote for.

The Senate also pointed out that while fiber-optic internet might be the dream solution, it remains out of reach for the average Nigerian. This leaves mobile data as the only viable option, making the recent price increases even more devastating. The Senate believes that urgent government intervention is critical to ensuring that affordable internet access remains available to everyone, especially the youth driving our digital future.

What the Senate Wants: The Prayers of the Motion

Senator Ekpeyong didn’t mince words when he emphasized the importance of a fast, reliable, and affordable internet. “We’re in the fourth industrial revolution,” he said, “and the Internet of Things is here. Without affordable internet, Nigeria risks being left behind in this global wave of progress.”

The Senate’s Plan of Action

Here’s what the Senate is asking the federal government to do:

First, they want the government to sit down with telecom providers and revisit the recent price hikes. The goal? To ensure that pricing remains fair and within reach for all Nigerians. No one should have to choose between buying food and accessing the internet.

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Second, the Senate is calling on the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to create a robust policy framework for affordable internet access. This isn’t just about lowering costs—it’s about building a sustainable system that benefits everyone.

Third, they’re urging the federal government to establish and support technology and innovation hubs across the country. These hubs would provide free or subsidized internet access to young entrepreneurs, students, and innovators. Imagine the possibilities when talent and opportunity finally meet!

Finally, the Senate has mandated its Committee on Communications to investigate the factors driving the high cost of data. They aim to identify solutions that will foster a business-friendly telecommunications sector while keeping prices reasonable. And let’s not forget—the Senate is demanding immediate action to address the challenges of doing business in Nigeria’s ICT and telecommunications sector. The goal? To prevent further cost increases that could derail our economic growth.

So there you have it, folks. The Senate is stepping up to the plate, advocating for the everyday Nigerian who relies on the internet to survive and thrive. This is more than just a policy issue—it’s about equity, opportunity, and ensuring that no one gets left behind in our rapidly evolving digital age.