Nationwide Protests Loom in Nigeria Over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

A nationwide protest is brewing in Nigeria following the recent decision by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to approve a 50% tariff increase for telecommunications services.

The Newsflash Nigeria  reports that this development comes amid the mounting economic challenges spurred by the devaluation of the naira and skyrocketing operational costs in Africa’s most populous nation. Major telecom operators, including MTN and Airtel, had initially sought a 100% increase in tariffs, citing these financial pressures. However, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced on January 20 that the NCC had approved a 50% increase instead.

Under this new tariff structure, Nigerians will pay ₦16.5 per minute for calls, up from ₦11, while the cost of SMS will rise to  ₦6 from ₦4. Similarly, 1 gigabit of data will cost ₦431.25, marking a significant burden on already strained pockets.

Public Backlash Intensifies

The proposed tariff hike has faced sharp opposition from various stakeholders, who argue that this decision could not have come at a worse time given the economic hardship facing the nation.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in its reaction to the announcement, urged Nigerians to reject what it described as “another harsh burden.” The NLC also threatened to mobilize workers to boycott telecommunications services if the decision is not reversed. Similarly, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) called the tariff hike outrageous, lamenting that it would exacerbate the already dire living conditions of workers and ordinary Nigerians.

Stakeholders Speak Out

Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the OBIDIENT Movement Worldwide, expressed strong disapproval of the tariff increase in an exclusive interview with Newsflash Nigeria. Calling it “wrong timing, wrong action, and wrong choice,” Tanko criticized the move as a “final blow” to Nigeria’s struggling economy.

According to him, “All sectors of the economy rely on adequate communication to function efficiently. The ripple effect of this tariff hike will be spontaneous and damaging.” Tanko further emphasized that 14 million Nigerians fell into poverty in a single year due to misguided government policies and poor economic decisions, describing the current hardship as unprecedented in the country’s history.

He urged the NCC and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to reconsider their decision, prioritize accurate data analysis, and put the interests of Nigerians first. “A 50% tariff hike is a ‘no’ for me,” Tanko concluded, suggesting a more reasonable increment of 15% as an alternative.

Protests on the Horizon

Newsflash Nigeria  gathered that frustrated Nigerians are now organizing protests across the nation to compel the NCC to reverse its decision. Prominent activist and politician Omoyele Sowore confirmed that discussions about nationwide protests are underway.

In a conversation with Newsflash Nigeria, Sowore described the tariff increase as both unjust and oppressive. “I met with the NLC leadership to discuss possible nationwide action against this unjust and backbreaking tariff hike,” Sowore revealed, pledging his support for credible protest actions.

Another activist, Comrade Timothy Onyilo, highlighted the impact on education, particularly on students who rely heavily on the internet for academic research. He criticized the government for failing to consider the plight of students, saying, “We are already struggling with high living costs, and now this? Every student needs affordable internet access for academic purposes. Instead of improving services, the government is adding to our burdens.”

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)  has also issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to reverse the tariff hike or face nationwide protests. NANS warned that the decision would deepen the digital divide and deny millions of students access to quality education.

FCCPC Urges Service Improvements

Meanwhile, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has mandated telecom operators to prioritize service improvements as part of the tariff adjustments. In a statement by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondanje Ijagwu, the FCCPC acknowledged the economic pressures facing the telecom industry but emphasized that “consumer interests remain paramount.”

As Nigerians prepare to take to the streets in protest, the tension surrounding this tariff hike underscores the growing frustration with policies perceived as insensitive to the economic realities faced by the average citizen. The coming weeks could see significant social and political ramifications if the government does not address the concerns raised by stakeholders and citizens alike.

Newsflash Nigeria is an online newspaper that is developed and written exclusively for Nigerians. It’s packed with up-to-the-minute Local and National Economy News, Share & Capital Market, Health, Sports, Education, Technology, Business and Opinions.

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