By SERAP Demands Reversal of 50% Tariff Hike, Threatens Legal Action
Ghazali Ibrahim
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)*l has given President Bola Tinubu’s administration 48 hours ultimatum to reverse the recent 50% tariff increase for telecommunications services approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In a statement on Tuesday on their X handle, SERAP condemned the hike, arguing that it would burden financially vulnerable Nigerians and worsen existing social inequalities.
The rights advocacy group emphasized that the increase would exacerbate poverty and discrimination across the country.
The tariff hike, which affects both data and call services, was approved by the NCC, citing rising operational costs faced by telecom operators.
Reuben Mouka, NCC’s spokesperson, clarified that the new rates, which represent a 50% increase from previous charges, were a compromise from the operators’ initial request for a 100% rise.
The commission justified the adjustment under its regulatory powers stipulated in the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, noting that tariff rates have remained unchanged since 2013 despite rising operational costs.
However, SERAP has strongly opposed the hike. In a statement issued via its X account, the group demanded that the Nigerian government immediately reverse the tariff increase.
It warned of impending legal action, stating, “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.”
SERAP also reiterated that the government has a legal duty to ensure telecom services remain affordable and accessible, asserting that the new rates violate citizens’ right to affordable communication.
The group has threatened to challenge the hike in court if the government does not take action.
