Telecom subscribers in Nigeria are preparing to take legal action against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over its recent approval of a 50% tariff hike for telecom operators.
The National Association of Telecom Subscribers in Nigeria (NATCOMS) has warned that if the NCC fails to reconsider the hike and reduce it to 10%, they will head to court by tomorrow.
Subscribers Reject Protest, Opt for Legal Action
Despite public outrage over the tariff hike, NATCOMS has distanced itself from the planned protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on February 4, 2025. The group argues that the protest could deter foreign investors from the telecom sector.
Speaking to NIGPOST on Wednesday night, NATCOMS President, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, confirmed that the association had sent a formal request to the NCC, urging them to reconsider the increase.
Ogunbanjo emphasized that if the commission does not respond positively by today, NATCOMS will proceed with legal action.
NATCOMS’ Stand Against the 50% Tariff Hike
A letter signed by Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo and NATCOMS’ legal counsel, Mr. Bayo Omotubora, criticized the NCC’s decision, stating:
> “The NCC’s approval of a 50% tariff hike is a betrayal of Nigerian consumers. It places an unfair financial burden on millions of telecom users who rely on these services daily.”
The letter further accused the NCC of neglecting its responsibility to protect consumers from excessive charges, arguing that telecom operators have other means to raise capital, such as:
Recovering debts from defaulters rather than transferring the financial burden to subscribers.
Reinvesting past profits made during the telecom boom instead of imposing excessive price increases.
Seeking financial support through loans or partnerships rather than hiking tariffs.
NATCOMS Condemns Frequent Price Hikes in Nigeria
NATCOMS also pointed out that Nigerians are already struggling with multiple price increases across various sectors, including:
Fuel price hikes
Electricity tariff increases
Higher costs of international passports and customs duties
The group warned that the telecom tariff hike would further damage small businesses, limit access to online education, and disrupt communication for senior citizens who rely on mobile networks.
Call for Immediate Action
NATCOMS has urged the NCC to reconsider its stance and halt the implementation of the 50% tariff increase. The association insists that even if a price adjustment is necessary, a 10% increase would be a more reasonable approach.
If the NCC fails to act, NATCOMS is prepared to take the case to court, seeking justice for millions of telecom subscribers across Nigeria.
What’s Next?
With mounting pressure on the NCC, the telecom regulator must decide whether to engage with NATCOMS or face a legal battle that could set a precedent for consumer rights in Nigeria.
Do you think the 50% telecom tariff hike is justified? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Leave a Reply