The Senate has urged the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to engage telecom providers immediately to reassess the recent surge in data costs and ensure fair and affordable pricing for all Nigerians. Additionally, the Upper Chamber called on the Ministry to develop a policy framework for accessible internet services and urged the Federal Government to establish and support tech hubs nationwide. These hubs would offer free or subsidized internet access to young entrepreneurs, students, and innovators. These resolutions followed a motion titled *“Urgent Need to Address the Increased Cost of Data Services in Nigeria”*, sponsored by Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo (APC, Cross River South). The Senate also directed its Committee on Communications to investigate the factors behind rising data costs and propose sustainable solutions for a competitive telecommunications sector. Furthermore, the Senate called for immediate government intervention to address challenges in Nigeria’s ICT and telecom sectors, warning that unchecked cost increases could hinder economic growth. Senator Asuquo expressed concern over recent data price hikes of up to 200%, stressing the financial strain on millions of Nigerians. He noted that young people depend heavily on the internet for their livelihoods, engaging in: - Freelancing and remote work - Digital marketing and social media management - E-commerce and online trading - Software development and web design - Content creation (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram) - Online education and skill development - Cryptocurrency trading and fintech innovations He warned that fiber-optic internet remains unaffordable for most, forcing reliance on mobile telecom services. The sudden cost hike, he argued, threatens economic opportunities and digital access for Nigerians. Rejecting telecom providers’ claims of high operational costs and exchange rate fluctuations, Asuquo accused them of passing their financial burdens onto consumers instead of addressing systemic business challenges. He identified key cost drivers in the sector, including: - Poor infrastructure and erratic power supply - High import duties on ICT equipment - Multiple taxation and excessive regulatory charges - Security risks increasing operational and insurance costs - Bureaucratic hurdles stifling business and innovation - High fuel costs for alternative power sources The Senate emphasized the urgent need for government action to maintain affordable internet access, particularly for the youth, who are the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy.