Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given President Bola Tinubu 48 hours to reverse the recent 50% telcos tariff hike, threatening to take the administration to court if the increase is not reversed.
SERAP, in a statement released on Wednesday, 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 in a statement.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had approved the 50% tariff hike on Monday, January 20, citing the need to address the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs.
According to NCC Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, “The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs… was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.”
The NCC noted that tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite increasing operational costs faced by telecom operators.
The approved adjustment aims to support telecom operators in investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage.
