Lagos – The Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) on Friday urged the Federal Government to intensify its statutory monitoring of the activities of  telecommunications companies in the country.

“The house made this appeal following what it termed “the poor services being rendered by these telecommunications outfits to Nigerians. “

LAHA said it would commence debate on a Consumer Protection Bill that would empower consumers to sue these companies for any default.

The Speaker of the house, Mr Adeyemi Ikuforiji noted that many Nigerians whose livelihood depended on effective service delivery by these organisations were frustrated due to their inefficiency.

“We are all affected. I have up to a dozen cell phones linked to all the service providers. The incessant drop calls and unwarranted deductions for calls not made can be annoying.

“In spite of the multitude of complaints from citizens, the problems still persist, “ the speaker said.

Ikuforiji, therefore, appealed to the federal government to look into these complaints as most Nigerians depended on the industry to conduct their daily affairs.

The initiator of the debate on the floor of the house, Mr Moshood Oshun ((Lagos Mainland II) said the problem had become worrisome.

He condemned the long queues at most of offices and accredited shops of these telecom outfits, describing the development as ‘poor customer care habit’.

“Many people visit these centres for days without getting solutions to their grievances. They always hear the server is down and hardly gets their problems addressed, “ he said.

Ms Omotayo Oduntan (Alimosho II) disclosed that she once had the N3, 000 on her phone removed for making only a two-minute call.

“I went to the company to complain. They told me to call a number….. After they told me they had rectified the problem, my credit balance was not restored.

“The excesses of these service providers and their indifference to the plight of their customers need to be urgently checked, “ she said. (NAN)