Senate Orders Downward Review Of Data Costs

The Senate has called on the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to engage with telecommunications providers to review the recent increase in data costs.

This resolution followed a motion on the “Urgent Need to Address the Increased Cost of Data Services in Nigeria,” sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) during Wednesday’s plenary.

Additionally, the Senate urged the ministry to develop a policy framework for affordable internet services in Nigeria. It also encouraged the federal government to establish and support tech hubs nationwide, providing free or subsidized internet access to young entrepreneurs, students, and innovators.

Furthermore, the Senate mandated its Committee on Communications to investigate the factors driving the high cost of data and propose solutions for a sustainable and business-friendly telecommunications sector.

Senator Ekpenyong noted that telecommunications providers in Nigeria had recently increased data costs by as much as 200%, placing a significant financial strain on millions of Nigerians, particularly young people who rely on the internet for their livelihoods.

“Youth in Nigeria have embraced the digital economy, leveraging the internet for income-generating activities such as freelancing, remote work, digital marketing, and social media management,” he said.

He further highlighted that fiber-optic internet services remain unaffordable for the average young Nigerian, making them heavily dependent on mobile telecommunications companies for internet access.

“The sudden and substantial increase in data costs threatens their economic survival and limits access to critical digital services,” he added.

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that implementing the motion would help young entrepreneurs stay in business by ensuring access to affordable data, which in turn would boost revenue and profits for them.