The Nigerian Senate has initiated an investigation into the recent sharp increase in data costs, which has surged by over 200 percent.
The legislative body has directed its Committee on Communications to examine the factors responsible for the hike and propose measures to create a more sustainable and business-friendly telecommunications sector.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to engage with telecommunications providers to reassess the recent price increase and ensure that data services remain affordable for all Nigerians.
It also called for the development of a comprehensive policy framework to make internet services more accessible and cost-effective across the country.
Additionally, lawmakers encouraged the Federal Government to establish and support tech hubs nationwide by providing free or subsidized internet access to young entrepreneurs, students, and digital innovators.
The Senate emphasized the need for immediate government intervention to address challenges within the telecommunications and ICT sectors, warning that rising operational costs could further impact economic growth.
The Senate’s decision followed the adoption of a motion titled “Urgent Need to Address the Increased Cost of Data Services in Nigeria” sponsored by Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo (APC – Cross River South).
While presenting the motion, Asuquo expressed concerns that the data price surge was putting significant financial strain on millions of Nigerians, particularly young people who depend on the internet for their livelihood.
He highlighted various sectors within the digital economy, such as freelancing, e-commerce, digital marketing, software development, and content creation, that have been severely affected by the rising costs.
He further noted that fiber-optic internet services remain unaffordable for the average Nigerian, making mobile telecommunications companies the primary source of internet access.
According to him, the sudden increase in data costs threatens the economic sustainability of young professionals and limits access to essential digital services.
The Senate also raised concerns over the reasons cited by telecom providers for the price hike, including high operational costs and unfavorable exchange rates.
Lawmakers argued that rather than addressing the root causes of the high cost of doing business in Nigeria, the burden is being unfairly shifted to consumers.
Other challenges contributing to high data costs, according to Asuquo, include poor infrastructure, unreliable power supply, high import duties on ICT equipment, multiple taxation, excessive regulatory charges, and security risks that drive up operational expenses.
He added that bureaucratic bottlenecks and the high cost of diesel due to unreliable electricity further worsen the situation.
The Senate, therefore, stressed the need for urgent government intervention to ensure affordable internet access for all Nigerians, particularly the youth, who play a critical role in the country’s digital economy.
Following deliberations, the motion received widespread support from senators and was approved through a voice vote presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
