PUNCH
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers will engage the Nigerian Communications Commission on Friday, seeking a possible reversal of the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike to 10 per cent, as the Nigeria Labour Congress signals readiness for protest.
The Federal Government approved a 50 per cent increase after operators initially requested a 100 per cent hike. However, subscribers are pushing for a 10 per cent adjustment, and if talks fail, they plan to file a lawsuit next week to challenge the decision.
The hike, the first in over a decade, is aimed at revitalising the struggling telecom sector, which contributes about 14 per cent to Nigeria’s economy, and has continued to spark widespread debates and controversies.
The labour union, led by Joseph Ajaero, criticised the increase on Wednesday, describing it as an added burden on Nigerian workers who earn less than $50 per month as minimum wage.
The union warned of potential collective action, including a nationwide boycott of telecom services, to compel the government and the NCC to reverse the decision.
Speaking with The PUNCH on the development on Thursday, NATCOMS President Adeolu Ogunbanjo said, “Going to court is the civil way of doing things, not boycotting telecom services.”
He expressed concern that such actions would harm investor confidence in the Nigerian market, especially as the government works to attract foreign investment.
“We are not backing the NLC at all. It will send wrong signals to investors. These are private businesses, and President Bola Tinubu is trying hard to woo investors. So we can’t support that rascality.”
Tariff rates on phone calls and messages have remained unchanged, even as operators face rising costs fueled by inflation, exchange rate volatility, and substantial investments needed to meet increasing consumer demand.
These challenges have created significant financial strain, jeopardising the sustainability of the telecommunications sector—a vital pillar of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The subscriber association emphasised that the telecom sector is a model of successful privatisation in Nigeria, urging NLC to seek solutions that benefit both consumers and operators.
“Telcos are there to make a profit, and at the same time, consumers must not be exploited. We’ve been at this for quite a while,” he said.
NATCOMS, however, reiterated its call for telecom operators to explore alternative funding options, such as Initial Public Offerings, to raise capital.
“They should go to the stock market. I know people will buy. That is the way to go. But boycotting businesses because telecom expenses take a percentage of salaries is not a solution. You can’t kill the business by protesting,” Ogunbanjo added.
Regarding planned engagements with the NCC, the subscribers’ president noted that discussions would remain constructive. “We will engage them through correspondence and phone calls on Friday. This has been our approach for quite some time,” he concluded.
NLC may lead protests
The NLC Public Relations Officer, Benson Upah, urged Nigerians to take decisive yet peaceful action against the 50 per cent telecoms tariff hike that is causing widespread discomfort.
He emphasised the importance of citizens’ participation in defending their rights through non-violent means.
“The citizens have a right to protest against policies they are not comfortable with. It is up to the citizens to show a certain level of resentment peacefully instead of merely grumbling. You don’t need to be violent or aggressive to drive home your point,” Upah told one of our correspondents.
Upah underscored the need for organised and impactful resistance, urging citizens to explore options such as boycotting services and engaging in peaceful demonstrations.
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