Nigerians are mounting a strong legal challenge against the controversial 50% hike in telecom call and data tariffs, escalating the dispute to the courts after failed negotiations with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) announced on Wednesday its intention to sue the telecom regulator for failing to reconsider the tariff hike, which it deems excessive. NATCOMS had earlier demanded a reduction of the hike to a more reasonable 10%, but the NCC did not respond within the stipulated timeframe.
NATCOMS President Adeolu Ogunbanjo confirmed that since the NCC ignored their correspondence, legal proceedings would commence immediately. “We gave them until the end of the day (Tuesday) to respond. Since there’s been no word from them, we are left with no choice but to proceed with legal action,” he stated.
Further intensifying the legal pressure, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has already filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against President Bola Tinubu’s government, arguing that the tariff hike violates Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information. SERAP is also seeking an injunction to halt the implementation of the tariff increase, which is set to take effect in February 2025.
Economic and Industry Justifications
Telecom operators, however, justify the price increase as necessary to sustain their businesses amid rising operational costs, inflation, and volatile exchange rates. Leading industry players have outlined plans to use the increased revenue to upgrade network infrastructure and expand services.
Finance Minister Wale Edun defended the adjustment, citing inflationary pressures over the past 12 years. Speaking at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Edun stated, “There is a need to reflect the fact that over 12 years, costs have risen, and that needs to be accounted for.” He assured Nigerians that the government would ensure telecom operators deliver improved services.
Despite these justifications, critics argue that the increase disproportionately affects low-income Nigerians who depend on affordable telecom services for daily activities. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other advocacy groups have condemned the hike, warning of its impact on businesses and struggling households.
Meanwhile, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) called on telecom operators to justify the tariff hike by significantly improving service delivery. “Looking beyond the hike, operators and regulators must focus on providing quality services to help businesses manage operational costs efficiently,” LCCI Director-General Chinyere Almona stated.
As the legal battle unfolds, the telecom industry finds itself at a crossroads, balancing financial sustainability with consumer affordability. While operators stress that the tariff hike is essential for long-term sector growth, Nigerians remain firm in their demand for fair pricing and improved service quality.
With multiple lawsuits now in motion, the coming weeks will determine whether the NCC will be forced to roll back the tariff increase or stand by its decision amid growing public opposition.
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