‘This Decision Is Unfair To The People’ – Public Outrage Grows As FG Defends Telecom 50% Tariff Increase

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has defended the federal government’s approval of a 50% tariff increase for telecom services despite criticism and impending legal challenges from advocacy groups and subscribers.

Appearing before lawmakers to discuss the ministry’s budget, Tijani attributed the tariff hike to rising inflation and escalating costs of imported goods.

He highlighted that the telecom industry, largely reliant on private investment, has faced significant economic pressures.

“Operational costs and inflation are the primary factors behind the recent tariff adjustment,” said Tijani, who is also leading the ambitious 90,000-kilometre fibre infrastructure project.

He elaborated, “What most people don’t pay attention to is that historically, we’ve left investment in telecommunications infrastructure to private companies. And these private companies will only go to where they can make money. They use a data set, called night-time satellite data, which will look down on the economy at night.

“They will see where light exists, and that’s where they will put their money. Because those lights, for them, indicate economic activities.”

Legal Opposition to the Hike

The tariff increase has drawn backlash from groups such as the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

NATCOMS President, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, while speaking to The Punch stated that the association would engage the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to negotiate a reduction in the hike to a maximum of 10%.

Ogunbanjo emphasized that while a modest increase between 5% and 10% might be acceptable, anything beyond that would place an undue burden on consumers.

If discussions with the NCC fail, NATCOMS plans to initiate legal proceedings next week.

Similarly, SERAP has issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding a reversal of the tariff hike.

The organization declared through its social media platform: “The Tinubu administration and telcos must immediately reverse the unlawful increase in calls and data costs. We’ll see in court if the 50 per cent tariff hike is not reversed within 48 hours.”

NCC’s Position on the Adjustment

The NCC had approved the tariff adjustment, capping it at 50%—far below the 100% increase originally sought by some telecom operators. According to the regulator, this marks the first tariff revision since 2013.

In a statement by Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the NCC emphasized that the decision aimed to address rising operational costs while balancing consumer interests with industry sustainability.

The commission acknowledged the financial challenges faced by Nigerians and mandated operators to implement the tariff changes transparently and fairly.

“The NCC has prioritised striking a balance between protecting telecoms consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry, including the thousands of Indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem.

“The NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments.

“To this end, the commission has mandated that operators implement these adjustments transparently and in a manner that is fair to consumers,” the statement read.

Public outcry

The tariff increase has sparked public debates, with many Nigerians expressing concerns over the rising cost of essential communication services.

Subscribers argue that the decision disproportionately affects low-income earners who depend on affordable calls and data for daily needs.

@Ruky_Baby27 wrote: “50% telecom tariff hike by the federal government and NCC is actually ridiculous. All this people do is take and take from Nigerians.💔”

@SirOdigie wrote: “50% tariff hike approved by NCC? This is unacceptable! #Nigerians are already struggling with high costs of living, and now basic communication is being priced out of reach. This decision must be revisited.”

@OdogwuBash wrote: “This is heartbreaking even though the Telcos are facing huge challenges due to inflation. This tariff hike has sparked discussions on its impact on consumers, particularly those with lower incomes, reflecting broader economic challenges in Nigeria.”

@Edisonokojie1 wrote: “From day one, this government has never made any announcement that lessens the suffering of masses. Every pronouncement has been one increase or the other that reduces the purchasing power of the people. I am happy that his sensel&ss supporters will still be affected.”

@nsteev7gmailco1 wrote: “It’s not nessesary. The Telcos are doing well without this tarrif increase. They should allow an independent body to Audit them for last 1year and publish their profit.

“While other nations seek to reduce the cost of living. The Nigerian Government keeps milking its people.”

@oluseto wrote: “NCC is quick to approve hike for the Telecos but failed to tell them to improve on their service delivery.”

@dtreasurer wrote: “This decision is unfair to the people. A 50% hike in telecom tariffs will burden Nigerians already struggling with rising costs. Access to communication is a basic need, not a luxury. Policies like this should prioritize the citizens’ welfare.”