Group condemns proposed telecom tariff hike amid economic hardship

PEOPLES GAZETTE

The Collective Movement on Saturday decried the Federal Government’s planned telecom tariff increase, saying it would further pauperise the people and hinder security operations toward crime prevention.

TCM, a pressure group with focus on public policy and welfare, disclosed this in Lagos at a virtual session of its national leaders, held to appraise the planned tariff hike and its bearing on the nation’s socio-economic situation.

In response to agitations by operators in the telecommunications sector, the FG said that it would increase call and data tariffs.

Speaking at the session, the TCM National Coordinator, Collins Young, said that “reliable and affordable telecom services are crucial for national security. A tariff hike will compromise the ability of security agencies to communicate and respond effectively to threats. The hike will further pauperise the people, make Nigeria’s telecom services less competitive, driving away businesses and investors to neighbouring countries.”