The Senate has called on the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to engage telecommunication operators in reviewing the cost of data and other internet-related services in Nigeria.
This resolution followed a motion titled “Urgent Need to Address the Increased Cost of Data Services in Nigeria,” sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) and adopted by lawmakers during plenary on Wednesday.
Telecom providers, including MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile, had increased the prices of data and airtime plans on February 11, citing rising operational costs.
Senator Ekpenyong expressed concern over the more than 200 percent hike, stating that it had placed a significant financial burden on Nigerians, particularly young people who depend on the internet for their livelihood.
The Senate also urged the ministry to develop a policy framework for affordable internet services and recommended the establishment of tech hubs nationwide to provide free or subsidized internet access for young entrepreneurs, students, and innovators.
The motion highlighted that many young Nigerians rely on the internet for income-generating activities such as e-commerce, software development, content creation, online education, and cryptocurrency trading. However, the high cost of fibre-optic services leaves them dependent on mobile data, making affordability crucial to their economic survival.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that addressing the issue would support young entrepreneurs by ensuring access to affordable data, ultimately boosting revenue and business growth.
