Sokoto assembly summons GSM, internet service providers over poor network

The Sokoto State House of Assembly has summoned GSM and internet service providers to address persistent poor network services affecting residents and businesses. This action underscores the growing public demand for accountability from telecommunications operators and highlights the oversight role of state legislatures in consumer protection, even within a federally regulated sector. While the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is the primary regulator for telecommunications, the Assembly's intervention reflects a local response to a widespread issue, leveraging its constitutional powers to investigate matters affecting public welfare and potentially influencing the NCC's enforcement efforts regarding Quality of Service (QoS) standards.

This intervention by a state legislative body, while telecommunications is primarily a federal matter, signals a growing assertiveness by sub-national governments in addressing public utility concerns that directly affect their constituents. It underscores the increasing demand for accountability from service providers and raises important questions about the scope of state legislative powers in a sector governed by national laws and a federal regulator. This article will explore the legal framework underpinning this summons, the roles of various regulatory bodies, and the potential implications for both service providers and consumers in Nigeria.

Beyond technical standards, consumer protection is also a cornerstone of the regulatory framework, enshrined in the NCC Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024, which outlines consumer rights such as the right to quality service, fair charges, and timely redress for complaints. While telecommunications falls under the Exclusive Legislative List in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), state Houses of Assembly possess significant oversight and investigative powers. Sections 128 and 129 of the Constitution empower a State House of Assembly to direct inquiries or investigations into any matter within its legislative competence or the conduct of affairs of any person or authority charged with executing laws or disbursing funds, including the power to summon individuals to give evidence or produce documents. These powers are exercisable for the purpose of making or amending laws and exposing corruption, inefficiency, or waste.

The Assembly's action, therefore, serves as a local amplification of a national concern, potentially prompting the NCC to intensify its monitoring and enforcement activities in Sokoto State. While a state assembly cannot impose direct regulatory sanctions on telecommunications providers, its public inquiry can generate significant pressure, gather evidence of service deficiencies, and bring these issues to the attention of the federal regulator. This collaborative, albeit indirect, approach can be effective in compelling operators to address localized service quality issues, especially given the NCC's recent emphasis on consumer compensation and stricter enforcement measures. The challenge for the Assembly will be to navigate the boundaries of its constitutional powers without overstepping into the exclusive legislative domain of the federal government.

Conversely, this action empowers consumer rights advocates and provides a precedent for other state assemblies to address similar issues within their jurisdictions, potentially leading to a more responsive telecommunications sector nationwide. Practitioners advising consumer groups should leverage such legislative interventions to push for stronger enforcement of existing regulations and advocate for enhanced consumer redress mechanisms. The ultimate outcome in Sokoto will be closely watched, as it could shape future interactions between state legislatures, federal regulators, and telecommunications service providers across Nigeria, fostering greater accountability and potentially driving improvements in network quality for millions of subscribers.