Nigeria House of Representatives don strongly criticise the Nigerian Communications Commission over poor telecom services, dropped calls and slow internet connectivity across the country.
Lawmakers accuse the telecom regulator of failing to properly monitor network providers and enforce standards wey go guarantee quality services for millions of Nigerians.
The criticism follow adoption of motion of urgent public importance raised by Ahmadu Jaha, wey represent Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency for Borno State.
Speaking during plenary, Jaha say telecommunications don become very important to business activities, education, emergency response and everyday communication in Nigeria, but service quality still remain poor.
According to am, many subscribers regularly face dropped calls, weak internet connection, failed text messages and unstable data services despite high charges from telecom companies.
“Telecommunication na important part of daily life for Nigeria today, but the quality of service from many operators no satisfactory at all,” Jaha talk.
He further explain say poor network service dey affect both personal communication and business operations, causing frustration and financial losses for users.
The lawmakers also express concern over rising cost of data and call tariffs, saying Nigerians dey pay huge amounts for services wey no match the quality delivered.
Dem complain say unstable networks and interrupted internet connections dey quickly exhaust data bundles without proper value for money.
Apart from network failures, the House also raise alarm over poor customer service systems from telecom companies.
Jaha note say many subscribers struggle to get quick response whenever dem complain about service failures, adding say the situation fit endanger lives during emergencies like medical situations, accidents and fire outbreaks.
Lawmakers also blame poor infrastructure development for worsening telecom problems, especially in crowded urban centres and rural communities.
According to dem, increasing number of telecom users don outgrow available infrastructure, leading to severe congestion during peak periods.
Supporting the motion, Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi, accuse telecom companies of focusing more on profits than improving services.
He also fault the NCC for what he describe as regulatory complacency.
“These companies don make billions in profits and no longer care about improving their networks. NCC too don become complacent,” Ozodinobi talk.
Nigeria telecom sector don experience massive expansion since liberalisation in early 2000s, growing from less than one million connected lines to over 200 million active subscriptions nationwide.
However, experts say infrastructure development no keep pace with rapid subscriber growth.
Industry analysts identify insufficient base stations, poor electricity supply, high operating costs, multiple taxation and vandalism as major challenges affecting telecom operations across the country.
Despite these difficulties, critics still insist say the NCC no dey strictly enforce quality service regulations against telecom operators.
Consumer groups also accuse the regulator of failing to adequately protect subscribers from unfair billing practices, unresolved complaints and unreliable network services.
As part of resolutions reached during plenary, the House call on telecom companies to invest more in modern infrastructure, improve customer service, expand rural coverage and ensure fair pricing for subscribers.
Lawmakers also direct the NCC to begin stricter enforcement of quality standards and hold service providers accountable for poor performance.
Meanwhile, the House resolve to set up ad-hoc committee to investigate the root causes of poor telecom services and recommend further legislative action.
