Reps probe telecom firms over extortion of consumers

There is a need for the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) to investigate the operations of telecommunications companies operating in the country over poor service delivery

The resolution was passed as a sequel to the adoption of a motion under ‘Urgent Public Importance’ on the need for Nigerian Communications Communication to investigate private internet service providers in Nigeria,’ sponsored by Chairman, House Committee on Customs and Excise, Hon. Leke Abejide.

In his lead debate, Hon. Abejide, who accused the telecom firms of extorting unsuspecting consumers, solicited House intervention.

He said: “The House notes that numerous Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have managed to evade accountability for their widespread inefficiency, feebleness, and inferior service delivery, while consumers are compelled to persistently pay for inadequate services due to the apparent absence of regulations governing their pricing and service provision, thereby enabling them to exploit Nigerians.

“The House further notes that frequent service outages, slow speeds, and inconsistent connectivity are widespread issues faced daily by consumers, as in this digital age, an efficient Internet connection is a necessity, not a luxury.

“The House is concerned that consumers sometimes experience service outages for more than an aggregate of two weeks in a single month from some ISPs, with no mechanism for refunding subscription fees, thus perpetuating a disregard for consumer rights and leading to exploitation.

“The House is also concerned that Legend, an SP operating in Abuja, charges its subscribers a flat monthly prepaid rate despite knowing that its services are frequently interrupted.

To this end, the House tasked the NCC and relevant agencies with developing a consumer protection framework that includes provisions for automatic compensation or refunds for prolonged service outages or significant deviations from advertised service levels.

In the same vein, the House urged the NCC to initiate a policy of Pay As You Go to all ISPs in order to minimise the high level of exploitation by ISPs for services not rendered.

To this end, the House directed its Committee on Communications to investigate and report back to the House in two weeks.

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