The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently approved a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, but the Civil Society Organization “The Grassroots Centre for Rights & Civic Orientation” has resisted and called for its reversal.
The tariff adjustment, approved by NCC on January 20, was in response to requests from telecommunications companies, including MTN Nigeria, which had initially lobbied for a 100% increase, citing rising operational costs.
The new tariff structure raises call rates from N11 to N16.50 per minute, SMS charges from N4 to N6, and 1GB of data cost from N350 to N431.25.
According to the Telecom operators, these costs stem from inflation, foreign exchange volatility, diesel price hikes, and increased network maintenance expenses.
However, the Grassroots Centre for Rights & Civic Orientation noted that poor service delivery has been a significant concern.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Armsfree Ajanaku, the Grassroots Centre criticized the NCC for prioritizing telecom operators’ demands over the welfare of Nigerians.
“We call on the NCC to immediately share with Nigerians a comprehensive framework for ensuring telecoms deliver world-class services,” Ajanaku said.
“Only such a service-driven approach can foster a telecoms industry that supports Nigeria’s economic development, rather than the arbitrary profiteering of a few telecom giants.”
The group emphasized the disconnect between the tariff hike and the substandard services provided by telecom operators.
“Even if inflation and exchange rate volatility are considered, does a 50% tariff hike not constitute an overkill at a time when Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardships?” Ajanaku asked.
The Grassroots Centre described the increases as “extortionate” and accused the government of passing the burden of its economic policies onto citizens.
“Nigerians, already burdened by rising fuel costs and electricity tariffs, now face increased telecom expenses, further exacerbating their financial struggles,” he lamented.
The Grassroots Centre emphasized that the tariff hike punishes ordinary citizens for the government’s poorly implemented economic policies and urged an immediate reversal of the increase.
The group also criticized the NCC for failing to provide a clear roadmap to improve telecom services, urging the commission to focus on enhancing service quality rather than enabling profit-driven price increases.
“As a regulator, is the NCC’s role to help telcos engage in price gouging or to ensure a telecoms industry with world-class quality of service?” Ajanaku asked.
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