SERAP Asks Tinubu to Roll Back 50% Tariff Hike or Face Court Action
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has called upon President Bola Tinubu to immediately rescind the recently announced 50% increase in mobile network operator tariffs within 48 hours.
SERAP has issued an unequivocal warning to President Tinubu’s administration, declaring that failure to overturn the controversial telcos tariff hike within 48 hours will lead SERAP to seek legal recourse against the administration in a court of law.
SERAP said, “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.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) released a directive on Monday, January 20, authorizing a staggering 50% increase in telecoms tariffs, which shareholders perceive as an attempt to finance infrastructure investments and improve the overall quality of telecom services in the country, despite the potential economic repercussions for consumers and businesses alike.
The approved increase was disclosed in a statement signed by NCC Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka.
It states, “The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing 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.”
“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.”
