Telecom Subscribers Issue Ultimatum to NCC over Tariff Hike
Subscriber advocacy groups have issued an ultimatum to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), demanding a reduction of the recently approved 50% telecom tariff hike to 10% by Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) and the Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria expressed concern over the financial burden imposed on Nigerians by the tariff hike. They criticized the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for planning protest actions.
The NCC’s tariff adjustment, the first since 2013, increased the cost of phone calls from N6.40 to N9.60 per minute. Telecom operators had initially sought a 100% increase, citing inflation and high operational costs. The NCC ultimately approved a 50% increase.
Advocacy groups argue that a smaller adjustment would better balance the financial needs of telecom operators with the affordability concerns of the public.
NATCOMS President, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, disclosed ongoing discussions with the NCC, emphasizing a preference for dialogue over confrontation. However, he warned that legal action would be pursued if no resolution is reached by the January 29 deadline.
“We have made our appeals to the NCC and are awaiting their response,” Ogunbanjo stated. “We prefer to engage with the NCC directly. However, if we don’t receive a favorable response by Wednesday, we will release a communique outlining our discussions and proceed with legal action.”
Meanwhile, Sina Bilesanmi, National President of the Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers, defended the tariff hike as necessary to prevent the collapse of the telecom sector. He criticized the NLC’s intervention, urging the union to focus on labor-related issues. Bilesanmi also emphasized the need for improved service delivery from telecom operators.
In contrast, NLC President Joseph Ajaero accused the Federal Government of prioritizing revenue generation over citizens’ welfare by supporting the tariff hike. Speaking on Arise TV, Ajaero criticized the government for aligning with private telecom companies while disregarding the plight of Nigerians struggling with rising living costs. He described the hike as disproportionate, particularly for low-income earners, and called for the promotion of local telecom equipment production to reduce costs.
The NLC has announced plans for a nationwide boycott of telecom services to protest the hike. Ajaero argued that telecom services are essential and that workers currently spend approximately 10% of their income on telecom charges. He urged the government to balance the interests of corporations with the needs of the public.
