Reps To Investigate NCC’s Failure To Promote Spread Of Telecom Services Across The Country

ABUJA  – The House of Representatives on Wednesday moved to set up an Adhoc Committee to investi­gate the inability of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to promote the spread of telecommunication services in the country.

This resolution of the House followed a motion of urgent pub­lic importance raised at plenary, brought by Hon. Sergius Ose Ogun, titled ‘Need to investigate the non-provision of mobile tele­communication network services to the underserved and unserved areas of Nigeria by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

The Lawmaker while pre­senting the motion, He noted that Section 3 of the Nigerian Communications Act, Cap. N97, Laws of the Federation of Nige­ria, 2004, established the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) with the responsibility of regulating the communications sector in Nigeria.

He further noted that by the provisions of Section 4 of the Ni­gerian Communications Act, Cap. N97, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, the Nigerian Com­munications Commission (NCC) is saddled with the responsibility of facilitating investments in and entry into the Nigerian market for the provision and supply of communication services, equip­ment, and facilities.

“Aware that in the wake of the rapid expansions of the Global System of Mobile Communica­tion (GSM) in Nigeria, most of the mobile telecommunication network operators were reluctant to move to the rural areas owing to business considerations.

“Also aware that the Nigerian Communications Act, Cap. N97, Laws of the Federation of Nige­ria, 2004, empowers the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to receive two and a half percent (2.5%) of the annual turn­over of the mobile telecommuni­cation network operators as an annual license renewal fee.”