ADVERTISEMENT

Lawmakers task NCC to sanction telecom service providers over exploitation

The called was sequel to a motion raised by Rep. Ali Madaki (Kano-APC) under matters of urgent public importance.

House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, August 12, urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to apply relevant laws in checking exploitative activities of telecommunication service providers in the country.

The called was sequel to a motion raised by Rep. Ali Madaki (Kano-APC) under matters of urgent public importance.

Moving the motion which was unanimously adopted by members, Madaki stressed the need for NCC to quickly address inefficient service delivery, exploitative tariff system and unsolicited Short Message Services (SMS).

"We all aware of what is happening in the telecommunication industry where service providers indulge in all sorts of sharp practices to make money.

ADVERTISEMENT

"They have formed the habit of providing unsolicited services without customers' consent and charge arbitrarily for such services without recourse to whether the customer asked or subscribed to such services or not,’’ Madaki said.

Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila (Lagos-APC) described the practice as harassment and invasion of privacy under the country’s law.

"The Constitution guarantees our privacy and also protects us from harassment of any kind.

"So, these messages violate the constitutional provision that protects peoples’ privacy.

"Everywhere in the world, there are laws guiding the conduct of business operations, and we have such laws as well.

ADVERTISEMENT

"So, I urge that we apply the law appropriately to safeguard ourselves against this abuse,’’ Gbajabiamila said.

Similarly, Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Leo Ogor (Delta-PDP), insisted that the conduct of the companies was unacceptable.

"A situation where you call somebody and you can't speak with the person but you are charged for a call that wasn't complete is a breach of contract.

"Another aspect is where they bombard you with unsolicited text messages and news alerts using short codes for which you never subscribed is highly outrageous and unacceptable,’’ Ogor stated.

Rep. Amadi Dennis (Enugu-PDP) said "this is the only country where telecommunication operators make so much money without considering the welfare of its customers.

ADVERTISEMENT

After the resolution that NCC should take immediate steps to check the excesses of the service providers, Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, referred the matter to the Committee on Communication, when constituted, for legislative action.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT