Nigerians are pushing back against the recent 50% increase in call and data tariffs, with telecom subscribers and advocacy groups taking legal action after failed negotiations with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has decided to sue the regulator after its plea for a reduced 10% hike was ignored.
Representing 157 million subscribers, NATCOMS argues that the tariff hike places an unfair burden on Nigerians, especially low-income earners. The group gave the NCC a deadline to respond, which lapsed without a reply, prompting the decision to proceed with legal action. Other organizations, including SERAP and the Nigeria Labour Congress, have also condemned the increase, warning of its impact on struggling households and businesses.
As the legal battle unfolds, SERAP has taken the matter further, suing the federal government at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The rights group described the tariff hike as “unconstitutional and unfair,” intensifying pressure on the authorities. With growing public outcry, the controversy is far from over.