The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami has extended the deadline given to the Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, on the reduction of data prices in the country.

The Minister had issued a five-day ultimatum to the regulatory body to meet with other stakeholders with a view to review downward the prices of data in the country.

He had argued that his office was inundated with complaints from concerned Nigerians about the high cost of data compared with countries with lesser population.

However, in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by the Minister’s spokesperson, Uwa Suleiman, the Minister noted that it had received NCC letter that action is being taken on the matter.

The statement reads : Following the five day ultimatum issued by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami to the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) on the 5th of November 2019, to resolve the challenges of illegal data deductions and review the cost of data downward, the commission has risen up to the task and efforts are in top gear to carry out the Minister’s directives.

“In a letter from the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), received by the office of the Honourable Minister on the 8th of November 2019, the telecommunications regulator, intimated Dr Pantami of the strategies been taken to stem the tide of short changing subscribers by Mobile Network Operators.

“In its earlier attempts to tackle the challenges, the Commission informed the Honourable Minister that it had issued a directive to all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on the attendant penalties associated with Automatic Renewal and Forceful Subscription to Data and Value Added Services. The penalties include considerable financial sanctions on the erring operator.

“The letter stated that, in response to the directive of the Honourable Minister, the Commission reviewed the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 on its rule-making powers and process. The Commission is in the process of carrying out a study on the End-of-Session Notification for Data Services and depending on the outcome, may issue a direction in accordance with the Act.

“Furthermore, in a bid to protect consumers, the Commission also notified the Honourable Minister of their regulation of the initial directive to include refunds to the consumer in established cases of unauthorized subscription.

“The Nigerian Communications Commission also assured the Honourable Minister that it has been working assiduously round the clock to enforce the Federal Government’s directives and has requested the good graces of the Minister to extend the deadline which expires today, 8th November 2019, to enable it properly re-strategise and fully implement long term solutions as directed, to the challenges.

“Dr Pantami has graciously granted an extension with the understanding that the Commission will resolve these issues within the shortest time possible.

“The Honourable Minister, hereby assures the general public that the current administration will neither tolerate acts of injustice nor the shortchanging of its citizens as it is working tirelessly to ensure that subscribers get full value for their money. “

https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-minister-extends-deadline-on-reduction-of-data-price/

first time we are about to get it right but until then After this we will deal with DSTV

Dem don reason minister ooo. Hon Minister sir, dis table you want to shake na gbege oo

as it is working tirelessly to ensure that subscribers get full value...He doesn't look like his working tirelessly to me ..If u wan arrest me don't looking for me I will personally give my house address.wen u come anything u see u take. ..

DonFreshmoney:
Why the extension?? Zombie minister..

But he wont extend looting our resources

To read is one thing, but to comprehend is another thing.
I guess you typed this rubbish to spite the efforts of the minister or you just want to sound offish.

Ernerstdavid55:
as it is working tirelessly to ensure that subscribers get full value...He doesn't look like his working tirelessly to me ..If u wan arrest me don't looking for me I will personally give my house address.wen u come anything u see u take. ..

Did you read the post at all?

If he goes ahead without taking into consideration what these Telecoms company are complaining about clowns like you will say he is dictatorial

little wonder any leader who wants to succeed oftentimes don't listen to you folks.
Because many of you clearly lack the ability to comprehend.

We are waiting for the outcome....

Nawa o.

Naija and extension.

Election o, No of years in power o, Church service o, when to pay salary o, sowore in prison o...... Naija we taya

Kpako minister

The man is just grandstanding. You cannot force any telco to adjust their rates. The telcos are a perfect free market, you do not like one, you move to another. Each have their own peculiar operating challenges which NCC cannot do anything about.

Regulation of the price of petrol is one of the reasons for moribund refineries and a lack of investment in refineries. Because return on investment is not guaranteed

This is just the man saving face

Khaleell001:



To read is one thing, but to comprehend is another thing.
I guess you typed this rubbish to spite the efforts of the minister or you just want to sound offish.

His type plenty here on nairaland

What did the Hon. Minister order NCC to do and what what did NCC tell the MNOs? Quite different!

The Hon. Minister ordered a reduction in the high cost of data and NCC is talking about illegal deduction and forceful subscription.

The NCC seems to be happy and possibly getting something from the proceeds of high cost of data from the MNOs, they are subtly trying to deceive the Hon. Minister and divert attention from the main issue.

Cost of data is high, service is poor and annoying... sometimes I get so upset at Empty Hen, but what has Nigerian government done to ease the stress of doing business in Nigeria? After all, it's to whom much is given that much is expected

When will NCC start talking about 5G

Entire system's jinxed.

Without fixing Power and Petroleum sectors to yield affordable products and services promptly, many private sector concerns will keep suffering until hardships before shutting down unceremoniously.

Telcos have genuine concerns and terribly costly overheads to grapple with. Diesel costs for powering base stations (Masts) alone is enough not to consider diesel/inverter/solar combo overheads for running NoC's, support staff etc. A week Naira plus jumping local inflation drives up demands for higher staff pay as well as costlier overheads for tech know-how & equipment imports esp. without facility of import waivers.

But such challenges shouldn't equate to the abysmal connectivity & poor Quality of Service (QoS) plus daylight-robbery billing and data zapping regime Nigerians are now subjected to. That's a reflection of our corrupt Nigerian Factor eating deep into policy implementation on regulation, transparency/accountability, Consumer Rights etc.

If he's truly committed, some heads have to roll both ways so that pple can have value for money. New products and tariff package deals must be brought onboard. Data minimum sub quantity/costs, data sub expiration, rollover and bonus policies must be reviewed. Clear improvements must be noticeable in the so-called high-speed broadband data deals; "unlimited data" no suppose be for mouth only! Lack of service availability beyond certain levels must be penalizable on reporting because Glo is fond of selling Awoof-data plans that nobody will get to use till it expires!

Hence as long as concessions will be made on all sides, things won't continue to be business as usual but Nigerians shouldn't expect their Telcos to turn stones-to-bread overnight in the present crippling business environment, na other ways to deceive una dem just dey come up with, packaging the same sh!t in different wrappers!

God bless U Sir, next is Multi-link let it be pay-as-u-go not illegal monthly sub.

No wonder my data dey last now unlike b4

Pls minister help us deal with dstv too. Their charges is too high

Hizzy:
first time we are about to get it right
but until then
After this we will deal with DSTV

Honestly, I don't know why it's become a rocket science to make DSTV "pay as go"?

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When is deadline for reduction in petrol price?

Hon minister we patiently waiting

This a great idea
But my fear is after this has been implemented, the price of simcard will increase..you know Nigerians everyone is thinking

Money is already exchanging hands..... Before the useless committee comes up with anything, we will be in 2024......

I have been directed to arrest you. What is your address

Ernerstdavid55:
as it is
working tirelessly to ensure that subscribers get full value...He doesn't look like his working tirelessly to me ..If u wan arrest me don't looking for me I will personally give my house address.wen u come anything u see u take. ..