Nigerian rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has launched a legal challenge against President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs. The NCC’s decision, which raised the cost of a one-minute call from N11 to N16.5, has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing it will exacerbate the country’s economic challenges.
SERAP contends that the tariff hike violates citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international treaties. The group’s lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, described the NCC’s decision as “arbitrary, unconstitutional, and unfair,” adding that it contravenes both the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 and international human rights standards.
The lawsuit seeks a court declaration that the tariff hike is unconstitutional, as well as an injunction to halt its implementation. SERAP is also asking the court to nullify the NCC’s decision, describing it as “extortive, unreasonable and a breach of due process.”
The timing of the tariff hike has been widely criticized, coming as it does amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges. A recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that 133 million Nigerians are multidimensionally poor, with many struggling to afford basic necessities.
Subscriber groups have issued an ultimatum to the NCC, demanding the reversal of the 50% tariff hike to 10% by January 29, 2025. The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has also proposed a maximum 10% increase in tariffs, arguing that the current hike will harm investor confidence in the Nigerian market
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