News
Reps Fault Telecom Regulator Over Declining Service Standards
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/house-of-rep.jpg&description=Reps Fault Telecom Regulator Over Declining Service Standards', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/house-of-rep.jpg&description=Reps Fault Telecom Regulator Over Declining Service Standards', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has faulted the Nigerian Communications Commission, accusing it of weak oversight and holding it responsible for the continued poor quality of telecommunications services nationwide.
Lawmakers argued that the regulator has not done enough to enforce compliance with industry standards, allowing service providers to fall short in delivering dependable connectivity. They warned that unreliable networks could have serious consequences, particularly in emergency situations where communication is critical to safety.
This resolution is sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Ahmadu Jaha, who represents the Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza federal constituency, during plenary on Wednesday.
In presenting the motion, Jaha highlighted the growing importance of telecommunications to both the national economy and everyday life, noting that expectations among subscribers continue to rise. He, however, pointed to a widening gap between what users expect and the level of service currently being delivered, describing the trend as a growing concern that requires urgent attention.
“Telecommunication has become a vital part of everyday life in Nigeria. It connects families, supports businesses, enhances education, and drives economic growth. However, despite its importance, the quality of service provided by many telecom companies remains unsatisfactory,” he said.
He cited recurring issues such as dropped calls, poor data speeds and failed message delivery as evidence of systemic inefficiencies within the sector.
“The House is concerned that poor network connectivity is a major issue. Subscribers frequently experience dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and difficulty sending messages. This affects both personal communication and business operations, leading to frustration and financial losses,” Jaha added.
Lawmakers also raised concerns about the mismatch between the high cost of telecom services and the quality delivered.
“The House notes that the high cost of data and call tariffs does not match the quality of service delivered. Nigerians often pay significant amounts for data bundles that are quickly exhausted due to unstable connections and network interruptions,” he said.
Beyond network issues, Jaha highlighted what he described as a breakdown in customer service systems, noting that subscribers often struggle to get timely responses or resolutions to complaints.
According to him, “many subscribers find it difficult to get timely responses to complaints, and issues are often left unresolved for long periods, thereby affecting emergency communications in dire situations like fire outbreaks, medical situations, vehicular situations and the needed responses.”
He further attributed part of the problem to inadequate infrastructure expansion, especially in rapidly growing urban centres and underserved rural communities.
“Network congestion during peak hours and in densely populated areas shows that infrastructure development has not kept pace with the growing number of users. In light of these challenges, I strongly believe that telecom companies must take urgent steps to improve their services,” he said.
Supporting the motion, Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi accused telecom operators of prioritising profit over service improvement, while also faulting the NCC for regulatory complacency.
“It is like these companies have made enough profits in billions, and so, they don’t care about improving the network anymore. The NCC, the regulator, has become complacent,” Ozodinobi said.
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has undergone a remarkable transformation since its liberalisation in the early 2000s, growing from fewer than one million connected lines to more than 200 million active subscriptions. This expansion, largely fuelled by private sector investment and the rapid spread of mobile technology, has positioned telecoms as a central pillar of the country’s digital economy.
Yet, the pace of infrastructure development has lagged behind this surge in demand. Analysts continue to flag a shortage of base stations, erratic electricity supply and rising operating costs as key factors undermining service quality. Many operators remain dependent on diesel generators to keep networks running, a costly workaround that limits further expansion and efficiency.
The burden is compounded by multiple layers of taxation imposed by federal, state and local authorities, which industry players say discourage fresh investment in infrastructure. Persistent vandalism of telecom installations and ongoing right-of-way disputes have further slowed network rollout, particularly in rural communities and areas affected by insecurity.
Despite these constraints, critics maintain that the Nigerian Communications Commission has not taken a sufficiently firm stance in enforcing quality standards. While the regulator periodically sets benchmarks and imposes fines, enforcement is often viewed as inconsistent, with penalties too weak to compel lasting compliance.
Consumer advocacy groups have also raised concerns about inadequate protection for subscribers, pointing to issues such as opaque billing practices, slow complaint resolution and unreliable service delivery.
The House unanimously adopted the motion and directed all telecom operators to step up investment in modern infrastructure, widen coverage—especially in underserved rural areas—and improve customer service systems.
Lawmakers also called for fairer pricing structures that better reflect the quality of service provided.
The House signalled a tougher stance on regulation, directing the commission to enforce stricter standards and ensure operators are held accountable.
The House resolved to set up an adhoc committee to examine the underlying causes of poor service delivery and propose further legislative measures.
…Abbas pledge collaboration with opposition leaders to advance 10th Assembly’s legislative agenda
By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has formally announced the completion of the minority leadership structure in the 10th House following the nomination and endorsement of three lawmakers to fill vacant principal officer positions.
Speaking during plenary, Abbas informed members that the minority caucus had unanimously agreed on the appointments through a consensus arrangement.
According to the Speaker, the nomination was conveyed to the House in line with the decision of minority members of the 10th Assembly.
He said: “The election of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, the minority members of the 10th Assembly hereby unanimously nominate the following members by consensus to fill the vacant positions of the minority in the parliament.”
Announcing the appointments, Abbas stated: “Number one, Minority Leader, Rt. Honourable Frederick Abedi PhD. Number two is the position of Minority Whip, and the person they have endorsed is no other than Honourable Monsur Soro.
He added: “The last but not the least is my brother from the northwest, in person of Rt. Honourable Abdusamadu Dasuki, the position of Deputy Minority Leader.”
Following the announcement, the Speaker congratulated the newly appointed principal officers and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to the work of the House.
He also assured the new opposition leaders of the support of the House leadership as they assume their responsibilities.
“So honourable colleagues, today the body of principal officers is complete, and I want to seize this opportunity on behalf of the whole entire house to congratulate the three people and to wish them all the best in their new positions.
“And let them be assured that the leadership of the house will work with them assiduously in ensuring that we achieve our legislative agenda objectives of this very important 10th Assembly,” Abbas said.
The Speaker wished members well and prayed for continued success in the work of the legislature.
“May God bless you all”, he concluded.
Finally the first set of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa has arrived at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos following renewed xenophobic attacks in the country.
The Air Peace flight carrying the returnees arrived at the airport around 10:25 am on Thursday.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, among others, was on hand to welcome the 258 evacuees who were escorted by officials of the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, led by the Acting High Commissioner, Temitope Ajayi.
Addressing the returnees, Enikanolaiye said Nigeria will not stand idly by while its citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment wherever they may be in the world; hence, the swift and necessary action to bring them home.
In a statement following their arrival, the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, quoted Enikanolaiye as commending the excellent coordination of the process by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria.
He urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding and vigilant and to report any threats to the Nigerian Mission. The minister said that the Federal Government remains fully engaged with the South African authorities at the highest levels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and to address the root causes of these incidents.
The minister conveyed the heartfelt greetings and assurances of President Bola Tinubu to the returning nationals.
“No Nigerian should live in fear simply because of their nationality. The evacuation does not signal defeat; it underscores the proactive and citizen-centred foreign policy of the Tinubu administration,” the statement read in part. “More flights carrying returnees are expected to arrive in the country in the coming days as the evacuation exercise continues.”
The returning nationals are undergoing the process of documentation, profiling, and necessary medical checks and will be provided with temporary accommodation before being reunited with their families, the ministry said.
Anti-foreigner violence has convulsed South Africa for weeks as gangs armed with sticks, whips, and shields have marched through parts of the “rainbow nation”, demanding that people with no residency papers leave by June 30.
Foreign nationals have reported being intimidated and beaten by mobs going door to door, families have been forced from their homes, and many have left in the face of the threats.
Ghana, Mozambique, and Malawi have already repatriated hundreds of their citizens in recent weeks.
South Africa is Africa’s largest economy and hosts more than three million foreigners, just over five per cent of its population, according to the country’s statistics agency.
…Enikanolaiye says rescue mission reflects Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad
By Gloria Ikibah
The first batch of 258 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks has arrived safely in the country, with the Federal Government describing the operation as a clear demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerians wherever they reside.
The returnees landed at the International Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday morning aboard a special Air Peace flight arranged and fully funded by the Federal Government.
The evacuees, who were accompanied by officials of the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria led by Acting High Commissioner, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi, were received on behalf of the Federal Government by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
Addressing the returnees, Enikanolaiye conveyed President Tinubu’s message of solidarity and reassurance, stressing that the safety and dignity of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority for the administration.
He said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria will not stand idly by while our citizens are subjected to attacks and harassment, wherever they may be in the world, hence the swift and necessary action to bring our people home.”
The minister noted that the evacuation exercise was coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and several government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Ministry of Aviation, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Immigration Service and security agencies.
According to the ministry, the operation underscores the government’s determination to protect Nigerians from violence, discrimination and intimidation abroad.
The statement stressed that the evacuation should not be interpreted as a retreat but rather as a proactive intervention aimed at safeguarding citizens caught in a difficult situation.
“No Nigerian should live in fear simply because of their nationality. The evacuation does not signal defeat; it underscores the proactive and citizen-centred foreign policy of the Tinubu administration,” he added.
Enikanolaiye also commended the Nigerian Mission in Pretoria for its role in ensuring the successful evacuation of the affected citizens.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria remains in active diplomatic engagement with South African authorities to address the situation and ensure the safety of Nigerians still residing in the country.
“I commend the excellent coordination of the process by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria and urge all Nigerians in South Africa to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to report any threats to the Nigerian Mission.
“The Federal Government remains fully engaged with the South African authorities at the highest levels to ensure the protection of Nigerian nationals and to address the root causes of these unfortunate incidents”, he stated.
The returnees are currently undergoing documentation, profiling and medical screening, after which they will receive temporary accommodation and other forms of assistance before being reunited with their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said additional evacuation flights are expected in the coming days as efforts continue to bring home Nigerians affected by the attacks.
The ministry also appealed for calm while diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis are intensified.
The latest evacuation follows renewed concerns over xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have periodically faced attacks, harassment and threats in recent years.
Popular Singer, Davido draws world attention to kidnapped Oyo schoolchildren at World Cup Concert
BREAKING: Reps Names New Minority Principal Officers as Fred Agbedi Emerges Minority Leader
Xenophobic attacks: Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa In First Batch Return Home
-
News24 hours agoWatch moment VP Shettima arrives at venue of commissioning of Arterial RN5 Obafemi Awolowo Way today
-
News16 hours agoBinani Air Celebrates First Month in the Skies, Eyes Bigger Future
-
News22 hours agoReps Move to Modernise Price Control Law, as Bill Pass Second Reading
-
News22 hours agoBREAKING: ‘Hope Is Here’: Reps Rally Support for State Police Ahead of Crucial Constitutional Vote On Thursday
-
News21 hours agoFCT Projects Commissioning: Tinubu Urges Abuja Residents to pay Ground Rent, Other Taxes To Enjoy More Developmental Projects(Photos)
-
News23 hours agoBlackout hits Abuja, Nasarawa, AEDC explains
-
News10 hours agoKano Screens 720 Couples for State-Sponsored Mass Wedding Programme
-
News10 hours agoEx-NNPCL Boss Kyari Challenges Senate Over Arrest Warrant, N210trillion Probe, Cites Medical Trip Abroad