Senate To Investigate, Probe Rising Cost Of Data Services

Senate to investigate, probe rising cost of data services. The Senate on Wednesday mandated the Senate Committee on Communications to investigate the recent increase in the cost of data and recommend solutions for a more sustainable and business-friendly telecommunications sector.

This was part of resolutions after a debate on a bill sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), which highlights the financial strain the price hike has placed on millions of Nigerians, particularly young people who rely on affordable internet access for their livelihoods.

The bill noted that the over 200% increase in costs had “placed significant financial strain on millions of Nigerians, especially young people who rely on the internet for their livelihood.

“Among resolutions passed, the Senate asked the Federal Minister Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to engage with telecommunications providers to review the data costs and “ensure that pricing remains fair and affordable for all Nigerians.”

The bill identified multiple factors contributing to the high cost of telecommunications in Nigeria, including:

Poor infrastructure and unreliable power supply

High import duties on ICT equipment

Multiple taxation and excessive regulatory charges

Security concerns increasing operational risks and insurance costs

Bureaucratic bottlenecks slowing business operations and innovation

High diesel and alternative energy costs due to unreliable national grid supply

To resolve the challenges, the lawmakers also resolved to ask the Federal Government to engage with telecom providers to review recent data price increases and ensure fair and affordable pricing.

Cost Of Data Services

The upper chamber also passed a bill mandating the compulsory registration of citizens, aiming to overhaul Nigeria’s identity management system through the repeal and reenactment of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act.

The passage followed the submission and consideration of a report by the Committee on National Identity Card and Population, chaired by Senator Victor Umeh representing Anambra central.

Umeh explained that the legislation seeks to establish a harmonised, cost-effective identity system that aligns with global best practices, enhances data accuracy, promote inclusion and closes existing gaps in Nigeria’s identity database.

INEC Sets To Moves Forward With Kogi Central Senatorial Recall Process

INEC sets To moves forward with Kogi Central Senatorial recall process. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed receiving a petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The petition, backed by six bags of documents containing signatures from over half of the district’s 474,554 registered voters, was submitted without complete contact details of the petitioners, delaying the process.

In a press statement, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun mni, INEC announced that the required contact information has now been provided.

INEC Sets To Moves Forward

He said a formal notification has been sent to the Senator in question, with copies forwarded to the Senate leadership and published on INEC’s website.

The next step involves verifying the signatures to ensure they meet the legal threshold of over 50% of registered voters in the district.

INEC reassures the public that the process will be conducted transparently, with observers and the media accredited to monitor proceedings.

Ikotun FRSC, Fleet Operators Collaborate To Achieve 10% Accident Reduction In Alimosho

Ikotun FRSC, fleet operators collaborate to achieve 10% accident reduction in Alimosho. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ikotun Unit Command, stakeholders and fleet operators in Alimosho Local Government Area have collaborated to achieve 10 per cent accident reduction in the community.

The Assistant Corps Commander, Florence Edoh, of Ikotun Unit Command, made this known at the FRSC first quarter Stakeholders and Fleet Operators Forum on Wednesday in Lagos.

Ms Edoh said, “The programme is about collaborating with our stakeholders and fleet operators to ensure a safer road within our jurisdiction, especially Alimosho. We aim to ensure that roads within our area remain free of obstructions and hazards.

This initiative aligns with our 2025 first-quarter corporate goal of reducing road traffic crashes by 10 per cent  That is why we are engaging with key transport operators.’’

She noted that ongoing efforts by stakeholders and fleet operators contributed to maintaining a low rate of road crashes in Alimosho.

Ms Eboh stated, “We encourage them to continue this positive trend, as the most crucial factor is a change in attitude towards road safety.

To achieve this, we conduct park advocacy, road shows, and media sensitisation through radio stations to educate people on safe driving practices.”

FRSC, fleet operators collaborate to achieve 10% accident reduction in Alimosho

Ms Edoh noted that ongoing efforts by stakeholders and fleet operators contributed to maintaining a low rate of road crashes in Alimosh

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ikotun Unit Command, stakeholders and fleet operators in Alimosho Local Government Area have collaborated to achieve 10 per cent accident reduction in the community.

The Assistant Corps Commander, Florence Edoh, of Ikotun Unit Command, made this known at the FRSC first quarter Stakeholders and Fleet Operators Forum on Wednesday in Lagos.

Ms Edoh said, “The programme is about collaborating with our stakeholders and fleet operators to ensure a safer road within our jurisdiction, especially Alimosho.

We aim to ensure that roads within our area remain free of obstructions and hazards. This initiative aligns with our 2025 first-quarter corporate goal of reducing road traffic crashes by 10 per cent  That is why we are engaging with key transport operators.’’

She noted that ongoing efforts by stakeholders and fleet operators contributed to maintaining a low rate of road crashes in Alimosho.

Ms Eboh stated, “We encourage them to continue this positive trend, as the most crucial factor is a change in attitude towards road safety.

To achieve this, we conduct park advocacy, road shows, and media sensitisation through radio stations to educate people on safe driving practices.

She expressed hope that after the forum, participants would share the knowledge with other drivers to prevent accidents, particularly during the upcoming Sallah and Easter celebrations.

In a lecture, Superintendent Route Commander Francis Ariyo underscored the need for drivers to possess a valid driving license before getting behind the wheel.

FRSC

“A driving license is an official and legal document that authorises individuals to drive. It serves as a security document containing vital personal information, instills confidence while driving, and can also create job opportunities,” Mr Ariyo said.

He delivered his lecture on the topic “The Need for a Driving Licence.”

Similarly, Superintendent Route Commander, Saturday Okpa, speaking on the topic “Defensive Driving Techniques,” urged participants to always assume they were the only careful driver on the road.

“While driving, always make use of your vehicle’s mirrors. The inside mirror provides an accurate reflection of your surroundings.

A good driver anticipates potential hazards, maintains a safe distance from other vehicles, and understands road conditions, such as potholes, to drive cautiously,” Mr Okpa said.

He also warned against distractions such as using mobile phones while driving and allowing children to sit in the front seat.

On her part, Hannah Ojeleye of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Hannah Ojeleye, cautioned drivers against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Driving under the influence poses a severe threat to your life and others on the road. It is a dangerous habit that must be avoided,” she stated.

The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to road safety awareness and called on drivers to embrace responsible driving practices.