Victor EzejaThe Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given President Bola Tinubu and telecommunications (telecoms) network operators a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse the 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs.
The group described the tariff hike as unlawful and threatened to file action in court if the government and telecoms operators fail to reverse it.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa had reported that the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday announced the approval for telecoms operators to increase call, SMS and data tariffs by 50 per cent. NCC said it granted the approval for the increase considering the prevailing economic realities in the country and the impact on operations of telecoms companies.
“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability,” NCC Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka Muoka stated in a statement released on Monday.
NCC said telecoms tariffs have not been reviewed upward in the last 10 years, despite significant increases in operational costs faced by operators.
The Commission explained that the new tariffs remain within the bands stipulated in its 2013 Cost Study and align with the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.
READ ALSO: What Telcos’ 50% Tariff Hike Means For Customers
It stressed that the tariff adjustment was necessary to bridge the gap between costs and revenue, ensuring the sustainability of telecom services.
“These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage,” the NCC further noted.
However, SERAP, in a statement released on Tuesday, expressed concerns about the impact of the tariff hike on the cost of living.
“The Tinubu administration and telcos must immediately reverse the unlawful increase in calls and data costs. We’ll see in court if the 50% tariff hike is not reversed within 48 hours,” the group declared.
It argued that the tariff hike violates the rights of consumers and threatens access to affordable communication services.
“This increase is not only unjustifiable but also unlawful. It risks undermining the accessibility of essential communication services for millions of Nigerians,” SERAP further stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
