A bill seeking to stop telecommunication service providers from sending unsolicited phone calls and text messages has scaled second reading in Nigeria’s House of Representatives.
The bill is sponsored by Representative Aliyu Madaki who wants subscribers to be given the option ofnot receiving the unsolicited communications, many of which are automated by the service providers.
According to the Sponsor, the bill aims at empowering aggrieved subscribers to file civil suits against service providers for any unsolicited call or text before a High Court, and receive compensation.
The legislators argue that the extent to which the practice is done by service providers amounts to harassment and negates the right to privacy of the subscriber.
The motion has been referred to the House Committee on Telecommunication for further legislative work.
