NASS Update: Calls to Stop School Fee Hikes, Poor Telecom Services, and Security Needs

Lawmakers want to stop school fee hikes and check NELFUND impact

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives asked the federal government to stop the recent rise in tuition fees and other fees by public tertiary schools. They warned that this could affect the goals of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

This request came after a motion by Ifeoluwa Ehindero (APC, Ondo). He said some public universities, polytechnics, and colleges have raised their fees by over 100 percent.

Ehindero argued that these increases could make it harder for students from low-income families to access education and benefit from the government’s student loan scheme.

The lawmakers urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission to talk to school management about stopping the fee increases and looking into their tuition structures.

They also asked their Committees on University Education, Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, and Federal Colleges of Education to investigate how these increases happened and if they are justified.

Reps want telecom CEOs to appear over poor services

The House Ad Hoc Committee on Telecommunications Service Quality turned down a request from the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). They wanted their Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, to represent telecom companies in a probe into poor services.

The committee, led by Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), insisted that the CEOs of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, Mafab Communications, and other operators must come individually to explain the ongoing issues with dropped calls, poor internet, failed airtime and data transactions, and bad network coverage.

The committee gave the CEOs until 4 November to appear. They warned that failure to comply could lead to arrest warrants.

The lawmakers pointed out that the operators hold individual licenses and should be responsible for the quality of their services. The investigation comes as many subscribers continue to complain.

Security and aid needed after Taraba killings

After the deadly attack on Binnari community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, the House on Thursday called for urgent security and humanitarian aid for affected communities.

The lawmakers backed a motion by Mohammed Audu (APC, Taraba). He said between 57 and 60 people reportedly died in the attack on 23 October.

Audu stated the attackers fired on residents and traders at a market, killing 10 people instantly. Many others drowned while trying to escape in a river.

The House urged the federal government to enhance intelligence-sharing among security agencies in Taraba, Plateau, and Bauchi states. They also called on humanitarian agencies to provide relief materials to affected families.

Additionally, they requested the completion of the abandoned Wase-Karim Lamido road project, which would help security personnel respond better to attacks.

Kaduna Polytechnic given 72-hour deadline to explain revenue issues

The House Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education gave Kaduna Polytechnic 72 hours to submit its financial records. This follows worries about falling revenue and pension deductions.

During an oversight visit on 28 October, the committee, led by Fuad Laguda (APC, Lagos), questioned why the polytechnic's revenue dropped from ₦1.478 billion in 2023 to ₦1.398 billion in 2024 and ₦1.332 billion in 2025, even with more students enrolling.

The lawmakers also asked for proof that around ₦1.3 billion deducted for pensions had been sent to the right authorities. They wanted explanations on paying death benefits to families of over 30 staff who reportedly died between 2023 and 2025.

The Rector, Suleiman Umar, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academic), Aliyu Usman, denied any failure in pension remittances. He assured the committee that they would provide the needed documents on time.

New rules for importing electric and CNG vehicles

The House also called on the federal government to set clear rules for importing electric vehicles (EVs) and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles into Nigeria.

This call followed a motion from Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos) on 27 October. Kuye said the government has offered incentives like tax reliefs to encourage cleaner transportation, but clear regulations are needed for local investment and consumer safety.

Under the proposed rules, companies wishing to import these vehicles must set up certified maintenance centers, provide genuine spare parts, and train Nigerian technical staff.

They must also invest in EV charging stations or CNG refueling sites and meet safety and environmental standards. The House urged the National Automotive Design and Development Council, the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Customs Service to create fair criteria for approving importers.

They instructed the relevant House committees to monitor this and report back within four weeks for further action.