Nigerian telecom subscribers, led by the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), are taking legal action against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) following a contentious 50% hike in call and data tariffs. Advocacy groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigeria Labour Congress, have criticized the move, arguing it disproportionately affects low-income users amid economic hardship. Despite multiple pleas from NATCOMS for a reduction to 10%, the NCC has remained unresponsive, prompting a lawsuit.
While telecom operators justify the tariff increase as necessary for business sustainability and network improvements, critics argue that the burden on consumers is unjustified. SERAP has also filed a lawsuit, challenging the NCC’s decision as unconstitutional and seeking an injunction to halt the implementation of the hike. Meanwhile, telecom firms like MTN and industry stakeholders insist the adjustment is vital to offset rising operational costs and inflation that have accumulated over the past decade.
The Federal Government and key business groups, including the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have backed the tariff adjustment, emphasizing the need for improved service quality. Finance Minister Wale Edun defended the hike, citing the necessity to balance economic realities with telecom sector sustainability. However, analysts caution that pricing alone won’t resolve the sector’s deeper financial and infrastructural challenges, especially amid Nigeria’s volatile exchange rate.
Source: PUNCH