The Nigerian Youth Parliament has sounded an alarm over the escalating costs of mobile phone calls and data services, coupled with the persistent challenge of unstable network connectivity across the nation. In a strong statement delivered by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Idris Zakari, the Parliament emphasized the damaging impact these issues are having on the lives and opportunities of Nigerian youth.

The statement, signed by the president Rt. Hon. Aliyu Idris Zakari
Speaker, Nigerian Youth Parliament, was shared with members of the press.

“These rising costs are cutting off millions from essential services—education, jobs, healthcare information, and even daily communication,” the Speaker said. “It is unacceptable that what should be basic tools for development are becoming luxuries.”

The Parliament highlighted that students, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and other young Nigerians are disproportionately affected, especially as they rely heavily on affordable and reliable telecom services to thrive in a digital economy. It warned that the trend threatens to deepen the digital divide and marginalize already vulnerable groups.

While acknowledging the importance of the telecom sector to Nigeria’s economic growth, the Parliament insisted that profit must not come at the expense of accessibility. The Parliament is urging the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Ministry of Communications to take immediate action to halt the unsustainable pricing practices.

In line with this demand, the Youth Parliament announced the formation of a Special Committee to engage directly with key industry stakeholders and push for a reversal of the recent tariff increases. The Committee is also tasked with developing a youth-centric policy recommendation framework.

Committee Members:

Hon. Japhet Kineze (FCT) – Chairman

Hon. Chiamaka Anaiko (Enugu West) – Secretary

Hon. Abbas Abubakar Song (Adamawa Central) – Member

Hon. Suleiman Sahabi (Niger East) – Member

Hon. Mercy Barnabas (Taraba South) – Member

Hon. Akan Ekong (Akwa Ibom) – Member

Hon. Femi Ogunsola Opwyemi (Oyo South) – Member

Hon. Victor Oluwaseun (Ekiti Central) – Member

Hon. Hauwa Ibrahim Abubakar (Kano North) – Member

The committee is expected to engage with the NCC, the Ministry of Communications, and telecom service providers to demand explanations for the price hikes and to advocate for a fairer, more inclusive telecom policy.

The Speaker concluded by calling on young Nigerians to stand united, stay informed, and raise their voices for digital justice.

“We cannot build an inclusive future while millions are left behind. Affordable, stable access to communication is not a privilege—it is a right. Together, we must demand better.”