Disquiet as police probe alleged infiltration of N’Assembly by Russian KGB

• Police in dilemma as Natasha abandons petition
• Senate moves to probe soaring data costs

Police investigation into alleged infiltration of the National Assembly by the Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti (KGB) of Russian is causing apprehension in the Senate.  

The Senate Committee on Communications will spearhead the probe on airtime and data, while the Senate urged the Presidency to address broader business challenges in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to prevent further hikes that could stifle economic growth.
 
Additionally, lawmakers directed the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to engage with telecom providers to review recent price increases and establish a policy framework for affordable Internet services.
 
Lawmakers lamented that Nigerians struggle with exorbitant prices for Internet services, electricity and digital TV subscriptions, making daily life increasingly unaffordable.
 
The decisions followed a motion sponsored by Sen Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) during plenary, yesterday. Ekpenyong expressed deep concern over the reported 200 per cent surge in data costs, which disproportionately affected millions of Nigerians, especially youths who depend on the Internet for education, business and innovation.
 
“Young Nigerians are fully engaged in the digital economy, utilising the Internet for freelancing, e-commerce, digital marketing, content creation, fintech and other ventures,” he stated. “The sharp increase in data costs threatens their economic survival.” He urged government intervention to reduce the burden on consumers, particularly young Nigerians, who are at the forefront of the country’s digital economy.
  
Other lawmakers echoed concerns over frequent price increases in digital services, including electricity tariffs and pay TV subscriptions.
 
Criticising the lack of consumer protection
Sen Victor Umeh (LP, Anambra Central), stated: “We live in a situation where citizens have no means of seeking redress. DStv has hiked tariffs three times within a short period, and electricity bills disappear within minutes. Nigerians are suffering.”
 
In his closing remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the motion’s sponsor, emphasising the critical role of affordable Internet in entrepreneurship, job creation and national development.
 
The motion was widely supported, with senators stressing the need to curb monopolistic practices and make telecommunications business-friendly. If implemented, these measures could provide relief to millions of Nigerians struggling with high living costs.
 
“This motion, when implemented, will not only benefit young people but will also prevent businesses from collapsing due to high costs,” he said.