By SERAP Sues Nigerian Government and NCC Over Controversial 50% Telecom Tariff Hike
Ghazali Ibrahim
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against the Nigerian government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over what it calls the “arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, and unreasonable” 50% increase in telecom tariffs.
Prior to the lawsuit, it was reported by BlackBox Nigeria that SERAP gave a 48 hours ultimatum to the federal government when the NFC okays the new tariff hike. A statement released by the group on Sunday detailed the information on the lawsuit.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenges the NCC’s recent approval of the hike, which has raised the cost of a one-minute call from N11 to N16.5, 1GB of data from N287.5 to N431.25, and SMS charges from N4 to N6.
In its suit, SERAP argues that the tariff hike infringes on citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information, as protected by Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights laws.
The group further contends that the decision violates the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 and global standards on human rights, particularly due to the lack of consultation with key stakeholders like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
“The unilateral approval of the 50% tariff hike by the NCC is arbitrary and unjust,” said Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, the lawyer representing SERAP.
“It undermines the principle of legality, fairness, and due process, while violating the rights of Nigerians to communicate without discrimination.”
The lawsuit highlights the burden this tariff increase places on Nigerians already facing severe economic hardship.
According to recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics, over 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, with many struggling to afford basic necessities such as fuel, food, and electricity.
“Amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, this hike will make it even more difficult for Nigerians to afford essential communication services,” said SERAP.
“It is a direct affront to the rights of citizens who are already suffering from the removal of fuel subsidies and rising costs of living.”
SERAP is seeking a court declaration that the tariff hike violates both constitutional and international human rights protections, as well as an injunction to stop its implementation.
The group also requests that the court nullify the NCC’s decision, calling it “extortive” and a breach of due process.
SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized the importance of affordable communication.
“Access to telecommunication services is a fundamental right for all Nigerians, not a luxury,” he said. “It is the responsibility of the government and the NCC to ensure these services remain affordable, especially in the face of rising poverty.”
