Unfair To The People’: Mass Public Protests Against Telecom 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 widespread criticism and looming legal challenges from advocacy groups and subscribers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During a presentation before lawmakers discussing the ministry’s budget, Tijani attributed the tariff hike to rising inflation and increasing costs of imported goods. He emphasized that the telecom industry, largely driven by private investment, has been under significant economic pressure.

“Operational costs and inflation are the main drivers behind the recent tariff adjustment,” Tijani stated, who is also spearheading the ambitious 90,000-kilometre fibre infrastructure project. He further explained, “Historically, we’ve relied on private companies to invest in telecommunications infrastructure. These companies assess areas with economic activity and invest accordingly.”

Legal challenges to the tariff increase have been mounting, with organizations like the National Association of Telecom Subscribers (NATCOMS) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) voicing strong opposition. NATCOMS President, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, told The Punch that the association would engage the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to push for a reduction in the hike, proposing a cap of no more than 10%.

“The Tinubu administration and telcos must immediately reverse the unlawful increase in calls and data costs. We’ll see in court if the 50% tariff hike isn’t reversed within 48 hours,” Ogunbanjo stated on social media.

Despite the backlash, the NCC approved the tariff adjustment, limiting it to a 50% increase—far less than the 100% initially sought by some telecom operators. According to NCC, this is the first tariff revision since 2013.

Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, stated that the decision aims to address rising operational costs while balancing consumer interests and industry sustainability. The NCC has mandated that operators implement the changes transparently and fairly, acknowledging the financial strain faced by Nigerian households and businesses.

The tariff hike has sparked widespread public debate, with many expressing concern over how the increased costs will disproportionately impact low-income earners who rely heavily on affordable communication services.

@Ruky_Baby27 tweeted: “50% telecom tariff hike by the federal government and NCC is ridiculous. They just keep taking from Nigerians.”
@SirOdigie commented: “50% tariff hike approved by NCC? Unacceptable! Nigerians are already struggling with high living costs, and now basic communication is becoming unaffordable. This decision must be revisited.”
@OdogwuBash added: “This is heartbreaking. While Telcos face significant challenges, the tariff hike impacts lower-income earners the most. It reflects broader economic struggles in Nigeria.”