The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communications Commission to suspend the impending hike in telecommunications tariffs until service delivery improves.
The call was contained in a motion moved under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, sponsored by the member representing Yenagoa Opokuma Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, Hon. Obuku Oforgi.
While moving the motion, the lawmaker said that the increase will affect small businesses, which rely heavily on affordable telecommunications for operations, marketing, and customer engagement, will face an additional financial burden.
Hon. Obuku Oforgi, therefore, disclosed that it is imperative that telecommunications companies improve their service delivery, which Nigerians have been yearning for over the years, before embarking on any tariff increase.
“Saddened those small businesses, which rely heavily on affordable telecommunications for operations, marketing, and customer engagement, will face an additional financial burden.
“Imagine a scenario where a 10 percent increase is approved. It is estimated that a 10 percent increase in telecommunications costs would reduce small business profitability by up to 7 percent, potentially leading to business closures.”
While seconding the motion, Hon. Billy Osawaru, pointed out that there was no justification for the tariff hike due to the poor service provided by telecom operators.
Passing the resolution, the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas referred to the House Committee on Telecommunications for further legislative action.
