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Since the beginning of this week, Nigerians have continued to kick against messages sent to them via text messages by telecoms operators, informing them that from tomorrow, prices of data would go up and in some cases, by 100 percent
But speaking on Wednesday on RayPower FM’s Fact File programme, which was monitored in Lagos today, the Minister said he was never consulted before the announcement was made. He stressed that the government did not authorise the operators to raise the tariffs.
However, he assured Nigerians that the government would look into the matter and continue to protect their interests.
“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. I can assure you we would do that (protect interest of Nigerians),” he said on the radio programme.
Also on the issue of subscribers still getting unsolicited messages from operators, Mr Shittu promised to take steps to stop the menace.
He lamented that he also gets such messages from his operator. “I am also a victim of unsolicited messages from operators, but I promise government will take pragmatic steps to stop this,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, The Senate today asked the NCC and service providers to suspend with immediate effect its plan to increase data tariffs which implementations ought to begin tomorrow 1st December 2016
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