The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP), has given President Bola Tinubu 48 hours to reverse the recent 50% telcos tariff hike.
SERAP, in an issued statement, said failure to do so by the Tinubu administration means they will be charged in court.
“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 is not reversed within 48 hours”, SERAP said.
Recall that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on Monday approved the raising of the tariff by 50%, in a statement signed by NCC Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, in what shareholders believe was approved in a bid to improve telecom services.
According to the statement, “The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50% of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100% requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account on-going industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.
“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the ‘2013 NCC Cost Study’, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024”.
NCC noted that tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators, adding that the approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised.
“These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage”.
