A wave of opposition erupted yesterday against the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50 percent telecommunications tariff hike, with labor unions, civil society groups, and political organizations condemning the decision.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) described the hike as insensitive, saying it came at a time when workers and the masses were already grappling with unprecedented economic hardships.
Labor unions condemned the increase, labeling it a “clear assault on workers’ welfare” and accusing the government of prioritizing corporate profits over the well-being of the people.
“Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information.
“Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10% of their wages on telecom charges” said NLC President Joe Ajaero in a statement.
Ajaero continued, “For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means an increase from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month or 15% of his salary—a cost that is unsustainable.”
He further criticized the government’s priorities, pointing out the contrast between the swift approval of the tariff hike and the year-long delay in approving the recent minimum wage increase despite rising inflation.
The NLC has called for the immediate reversal of the tariff increase, urging the government, NCC, and National Assembly to halt the implementation of the hike.
“We therefore call on the government, the NCC and the National Assembly to stop the implementation of this ill-advised hike to allow a reasonable conversation around it,” Ajaero added.
The labor union has also warned of potential collective actions, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, echoed the sentiment, calling the hike “one hike too many,” while the CNG rejected the increase as an “assault on the already strained livelihoods of Nigerians.”
The group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, condemned the decision, stating, “This decision, coming at a time when Nigerians are reeling in immense economic hardship, is nothing short of an assault on the dignity and livelihoods of the people that have been economically pauperized.”
The CNG criticized the NCC and the Ministry of Communications for what it termed an “insensitive and economically unjust” decision, demanding the resignation or dismissal of the NCC Executive Vice Chairman and the Minister of Communications for failing to prioritize citizens’ welfare over corporate interests.
“Approving this hike, we contend, the NCC has jeopardized access to communication, education, healthcare, and commerce for the average Nigerian,” Charanchi said.
In contrast, mobile network operators (MNOs), represented by the Association of Licensed Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), supported the tariff increase, calling it a necessary step for the sector’s recovery.
“The tariff adjustment reflects a balanced approach to ensuring the sustainability of the telecommunications sector while safeguarding the interests of consumers,” said ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo.
Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, expressed his company’s support for the tariff increase, stating, “The price increase, which was highly needed for the survival and continued growth of the industry, will enable us to continue investing in network infrastructure, expanding coverage, and delivering improved products and services.”
He emphasized that the adjustment would lead to better service delivery in the long run.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) also weighed in, advising consumers to report any unfair practices or concerns through its official channels.
The FCCPC’s statement emphasized that the tariff increase should lead to measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service.
It also urged telecom operators to allocate the increased revenues responsibly, focusing on infrastructure development and service enhancements.
“We are non-negotiable that telecom operators must prioritize visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service as part of any tariff adjustment,” the FCCPC stated.
The Commission also called for transparency in how operators communicate the rationale for the tariff changes, ensuring that consumers understand the nature of the adjustments and the benefits they are meant to bring.
As the debate continues, the opposition groups are rallying Nigerians to resist the tariff hike, demanding a more reasonable increase that reflects the country’s current economic challenges.
