This, the upper chamber said, was with the view to ensuring that pricing remained fair and affordable for all Nigerians.

The senate’s resolution was sequel to a motion sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River), at plenary on Wednesday.

The motion is with the title: “Urgent Need to Address the Increased Cost of Data Services in Nigeria”.

Moving the motion, Ekpenyong said that telecommunications providers in Nigeria had recently increased the cost of data services by as much as 200 per cent.

“This move has placed significant financial strain on millions of Nigerians, especially young people who rely on the Internet for their livelihood.

“Young Nigerians have embraced the digital economy, leveraging the Internet for various income-generating activities, including freelancing and remote work, digital marketing and social media management,” he said.

The lawmaker further said fibre-optic Internet services remained unaffordable for the average young Nigerian, leaving them dependent on mobile telecommunications companies for Internet access.

“The sudden and substantial increase in data cost threatens their economic survival and limits access to critical digital services,” he said.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said the motion, when implemented, would assist young entrepreneurs.

Akpabio said the motion would not only enable them to remain in business but ensure they had affordable prices that would also generate revenue and profits for them.

The upper chamber also resolved to call on the ministry to develop a policy framework for affordable Internet services in Nigeria.

The senate said that there was a need for the Federal Government to establish and support tech hubs across the country, providing free or subsidised Internet access to young entrepreneurs, students and innovators.

The upper chamber also mandated its Committee on Communications, to conduct an investigation into the factors driving the high cost of data and proffer solutions for a sustainable and business-friendly telecommunications sector. (NAN)

The Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the attack on Wednesday.

He said the attack occurred on Tuesday but stated that the specific unit or formation of the slain Customs officers was yet to be determined.

“Yes, there was an attack, which resulted in the killing of two yet-to-be-identified Customs officers and one native of Bachaka village,” he said.

Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Sani Bello, who visited the scene, reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to tackling criminal elements, stating that the attackers’ actions were a sign of their weakening state due to sustained security operations.

The attack occurred barely 24 hours after combined security forces neutralized two Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this in a statement issued on Wednesday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated all Muslims for the successful completion of the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

He urged all Muslims to “embrace the virtues of self-discipline, compassion, generosity and peace, emphasising the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in building a harmonious society.”

Tunji-Ojo called on Nigerians to use this festive period to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation.

He expressed hope that the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr would inspire unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines.

“Dr. Tunji-Ojo also encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while remembering the less privileged through acts of kindness and charity, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid.

“On behalf of the Federal Government, he extended heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes to all Muslim faithful and prayed that the blessings of the season bring happiness, success, and fulfillment to everyone,” the statement read.