In an interesting turn of events, the Nigerian Senate has all but ordered the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to rescind on its earlier directive saying mobile operators should change their data tariff pricing.
Senate now resolves to halt the new tariff approval.
— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) November 30, 2016
The NCC had earlier re-introduced the data price floor, setting it at 0.90k/MB, in order to “provide a level playing field for all operators in the industry [allowing] small operators and new entrants to acquire market share and operate profitably.”
The regulator directed the big four telecoms operators in Nigeria (MTN, Globacom, Etisalat and Airtel) to review their data pricing by December 1, 2016, which effectively meant a hike in data prices.
The deputy Senate leader brought the matter before the house.
Deputy Senate Leader Ibn N'Allah raises a motion on the increase in data tariffs by the telecomms. over policies of the @NgComCommission
— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) November 30, 2016
And the Senators were unanimous in their rejection of the directive by NCC.
Senators in all totality condemned the increase of data Tariffs by the service providers in tandem with @NgComCommission
— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) November 30, 2016
" It is very important that we protect the people that brought us here this is the height of irresponsibility by @NgComCommission….
— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) November 30, 2016
As expected, the news was met with joy by several Nigerians.
Correct move by Nigerian Senators.
— Dayọ̀ David Ògúnrẹ̀mí (@arcdayo77) November 30, 2016
Only HALT? Please cancel, erase, I mean repeal the nonsense! Thank you!
— Adebola Adeola (@Adeychay) November 30, 2016
finally #SANITY! D 8th Senate does d 1st thing to directly touch my life 👏..#NoToDataHike
— Chuks O (@_ChuxO) November 30, 2016
On the other hand, a few people have questioned the legality of the Senate’s order considering that the NCC is an independent entity.
Hopefully NCC does not budge. This is a dangerous precedent. https://t.co/jydGyCsZaH
— Last Of The Fools (@Griffinreborn) November 30, 2016
https://twitter.com/afalli/status/803922999002955776
A visit to the NCC’s twitter account shows that the regulator is still silent over the issue. We’ll have to wait and see what happens next.
