Nationwide Strike Looms as Nigerians Reject 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

By Emmanuel Kwada

A storm is brewing in Nigeria as the Nigerian Communications Commission’s approval of a 50% tariff hike for telecom services has sparked widespread outrage. The hike, which raises call rates to N16.5 per minute, SMS to N6, and 1GB of data to N431.25, has been met with strong opposition from stakeholders, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). They argue that the increase will worsen economic hardships, already exacerbated by naira devaluation and rising operational costs.

Prominent voices like activist Omoyele Sowore and National Coordinator of the OBIDIENT Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, have condemned the hike as poorly timed and burdensome, urging its reversal. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to halt the hike, warning that it would further limit students’ access to education. Meanwhile, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called on telecom operators to prioritize service improvements despite their financial challenges.

Decision has been met with resistance from various groups, including the Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS-Nigeria)

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had announced the tariff hike on January 20, citing the need for telecom operators to increase their prices to remain sustainable. However, the decision has been met with resistance from various groups, including the Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS-Nigeria), which has threatened to sue the federal government over the increment.

As tensions escalate, protests are expected to spread across the country if the decision is not reversed. The NCC’s decision has been seen as a blow to Nigerians who are already struggling to make ends meet. With the hike set to take effect soon, Nigerians are bracing themselves for the impact, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing outcry.