Nigeria - review of legislative changes

Nigeria: Protect Locals From Exploitations By GSM Operators, Anyim Urges NASS

Former President of the Senate, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, yesterday charged the National Assembly to establish effective legislation that will protect Nigerians from the exploitations of telecommunication companies.

Also yesterday, the President of the Nigerian Digital Bridge Institute, Professor Raymond Akwule, said the ongoing financial meltdown has slowed down investments in ICT in Nigeria.

Senator Anyim and Professor Akwule spoke at a one day retreat for Senators, as a build up towards the amendment of the Nigeria Communication Act 2003, in Kaduna.

Senator Anyim, while delivering a lecture entitled "The Role of the Legislature in supporting Telecommunications Infrastructure Development in Nigeria," said the amendment being sought must ensure that the right of the common man is protected.

He said even as the amendment seeks to liberalise the telecommunication sector, the onus is on the senators to ensure that such legislation is not used by multinationals for selfish gains.

He said, "In articulating the role of the legislature in telecommunication infrastructure, let not mistake be made about thinking that the role of the legislature is simply to pass telecomm bill into law, it is much more than that.

"The role of the legislature in achieving these objectives will of necessity be to skillfully develop legislations that will capture all the delicate criteria that will mutually balance the interest of the government, the private sector and the people. Because there has not been any specific legislation in this area, the work of the legislature may be more tasking thus requiring extreme diligence."

Speaking on total liberalization of the telecomm industry in Nigeria , he said;

"While liberalisation had its merits, the gains could be eroded through the selfish motives of multinationals who dominate investment, production and trade; imposing changes, which favour them."