The Senate has summoned the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and major telecommunications operators over persistent network failures and alleged arbitrary deductions from subscribers’ airtime.
The affected operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom and T2, are expected to appear before the Senate Committee on Communications to explain recurring complaints of dropped calls, failed connections and interrupted conversations for which subscribers are allegedly charged.
The committee, chaired by Ikra Bilbis (APC, Zamfara Central), has also been mandated to investigate the financial losses suffered by consumers and submit its findings to the Senate within four weeks, alongside recommendations for legislative and regulatory action.
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The resolution followed the consideration of a motion titled, “Need to curb unjustified deductions from subscribers’ airtime resulting from substandard telecommunications services through robust consumer protection.”
The motion was sponsored by Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), the Senate Chief Whip, and presented by Lola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South), the Deputy Majority Leader,
Presenting the motion, Ashiru raised concerns about subscribers losing airtime on calls that fail to connect or are terminated prematurely because of network problems.
The Senate expressed concern that Nigerians were increasingly paying for telecommunications services they did not receive, describing the situation as an additional financial burden on subscribers already grappling with poor network quality.
It noted that subscribers frequently have to dial numbers repeatedly before getting through, leading to multiple airtime deductions even when their initial calls fail.
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According to the lawmakers, the problem particularly affects low-income earners, traders, students and small business owners who depend on mobile networks for their daily activities.
The Senate argued that although network disruptions might sometimes be unavoidable, subscribers should not be made to bear the financial consequences of service failures beyond their control.
Contributing to the debate, Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), who seconded the motion, described the proposed intervention as a straightforward consumer-protection measure, noting that the problem affects virtually every Nigerian who relies on telecommunications services.
He also questioned the disparity between the quality of telecommunications services available in Nigeria and the seamless connectivity enjoyed by subscribers in other countries.
The lawmakers maintained that telecommunications operators must be held accountable for charging customers for services that were not successfully delivered.
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They said the investigation would provide an opportunity to establish the extent of financial losses incurred by subscribers and determine the measures required to prevent unjustified deductions.
The Senate subsequently mandated the Aliyu Bilbis-led committee to engage the NCC and the affected operators, investigate the complaints and report back within four weeks.
The development comes amid sustained public complaints about deteriorating telecommunications services, including dropped calls, unstable internet connections, slow data speeds and poor network coverage in different parts of the country.
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