Hyacinth Chinweuba
Communications Minister, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, has denied knowledge of plans by telecoms operators to review upward the Data tariff, saying his Ministry was not consulted by service providers on the issue.
Shittu said that the federal government never issued a directive authorising the increase.
The Minister said in Ray Power radio programme Wednesday, “I can tell you that I was never a party to it (data tariff hike).
Government never gave any such instruction. This government believes in democratic process and we would continue to protect the interest of Nigerians.”
The Senate had condemned the data tariff increase, describing it as anti people and ill-timed.
The Senate also invited the Communications Minister and the Chief Executives of the NCC to appear before it on the issue, adding that with the economic recession, increasing data tariff will not be allowed.
The Senate has also directed its Committee on Communications led by Senator Gilbert Nnaji to carry out investigation on the matter.
Meanwhile, the NCC has suspended the implementation of the data tariff increase.
Telecoms service providers had sent text messages, saying it will increase data tariff with effect from December 1.
The Vice Chairman of the Committee on Communications, Senator Solomon Adeola who described the policy as ‘unholy’ and ‘unfriendly’ said, “We are up to the task, and I can assure the Senate that we will swing into action immediately. We will invite all the necessary agencies that are involved in this policy that is unholy and unfriendly and get back to the Senate.”