Senate Moves to Stop Telecom Operators from Deducting Airtime for Failed Calls

The Nigerian Senate has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate the billing practices of telecommunications operators over complaints of unjustified airtime deductions for failed, interrupted and dropped calls.

The Senate also called on the regulator to introduce regulations compelling mobile network operators to automatically refund airtime deducted from subscribers for verifiably unsuccessful calls and qualifying network-related service interruptions.

The directive followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Tahir Mungono during plenary on Wednesday.

The lawmakers specifically mentioned MTN Nigeria, Globacom, Airtel Nigeria and other telecommunications operators, urging the NCC to ensure that subscribers are not charged for services they did not effectively receive.

The Senate further asked the commission to establish an accessible and time-bound complaints resolution mechanism through which subscribers could seek refunds or compensation for unjustified deductions and persistent network failures.

It also directed the NCC to conduct independent technical audits of telecommunications operators’ billing systems to ensure that customers are charged only for actual and properly delivered call durations.

In addition, the lawmakers urged the regulator to strengthen enforcement of Quality-of-Service standards and impose appropriate sanctions on operators whose persistent network deficiencies violate established regulatory requirements.

As part of the resolution, the Senate mandated its Committee on Communications to invite the NCC and relevant telecommunications operators to investigate the complaints, assess the financial losses suffered by subscribers and submit a report within four weeks.

The NCC was also directed to report back to the Senate within the same period on the outcome of its investigation and proposed measures to address the problem.

Moving the motion, Mungono and other lawmakers expressed concern over persistent complaints from telecommunications subscribers who lose airtime on unsuccessful, interrupted and dropped calls despite not receiving the services they paid for.

They observed that network failures often force subscribers to make repeated calls before establishing successful connections, resulting in additional expenses.

The lawmakers also highlighted the financial implications of abrupt call disconnections, inaudible conversations and other network interruptions, which frequently leave subscribers paying for unsatisfactory services.

They maintained that Nigerians should not be compelled to pay for telecommunications services that have not been properly delivered.

According to the Senate, although individual deductions may appear insignificant, the cumulative financial losses become substantial when calculated across millions of telecommunications subscribers.

The lawmakers expressed particular concern about the impact on low-income earners, traders, students and small business owners, who spend considerable portions of their income purchasing airtime.

They also recalled that the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, empowers the NCC to regulate the telecommunications industry, protect consumers and enforce acceptable standards of service delivery.

Meanwhile, the Senate has passed the National Senior Secondary Education Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (SB. 1075), for third reading.

The executive bill seeks to address gaps in the implementation of the existing legislation and strengthen the regulation, coordination and administration of public senior secondary education across the country.

Presenting the report of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), Senator Orji Kalu said the proposed amendments were designed to strengthen the governance of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission and improve coordination between federal and state governments.

Kalu, who presented the report on behalf of the committee chairman, Senator Usman Adamu, explained that the amendments would promote accountability and ensure effective implementation of national education policies.

He noted that although the commission was established under the National Senior Secondary Education Commission Act No. 45, 2023, experience gained during its implementation had exposed areas requiring legislative intervention.

He said the proposed amendments were intended to address the identified challenges and make the legislation more effective in achieving its objectives.

Kalu further disclosed that the House of Representatives had also considered the bill and referred it to its Committee on Basic Education and Services, making consultations with relevant stakeholders necessary to ensure uniformity in the legislative process.

Following the presentation, the Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole, considered the report clause by clause and adopted the committee’s recommendations before passing the bill for third reading.

The amended legislation is expected to provide a clearer operational framework for the commission, particularly in setting educational standards, supporting curriculum implementation, promoting teacher development, monitoring schools and strengthening collaboration with state education authorities.

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