Wednesday, 29 January 2025 04:47

Telecom users challenge 50% tariff hike in court as NCC remains silent

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Nigerian telecommunications subscribers are taking legal action against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over its recent approval of a 50% increase in call and data tariffs, following failed attempts at negotiation.

The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), representing 157 million users, announced Tuesday its plans to file a lawsuit after the NCC failed to respond to their proposal to reduce the hike to 10%. The association had given the regulator a three-day window to reconsider its position.

"Since we have not received any response, we are moving forward with the court process starting Wednesday," said NATCOMS President Adeolu Ogunbanjo. He emphasized that the steep increase particularly burdens lower-income subscribers who depend on affordable communication services.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has already filed suit FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging President Tinubu's government. SERAP argues that the tariff hike is "arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, unfair, and unreasonable" and seeks an interim injunction to halt its implementation.

The increase, announced last week Monday and set to take effect in February, marks the first such adjustment in over a decade. While telecom operators defend the hike as necessary for business sustainability and infrastructure expansion, critics including NATCOMS, SERAP, and the Nigeria Labour Congress argue it compounds economic hardships amid rising inflation.

Industry analysts note that despite the planned increase, telecom companies continue to face challenges from volatile exchange rates, affecting their ability to make long-term investments and manage operational costs effectively.

The NCC's Director of Publicity, Reuben Mouka, has not responded to requests for comment on the developing situation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

June 24, 2025

Oil prices fall to over one-week lows as Trump announces Israel-Iran ceasefire

Oil prices tumbled on Tuesday to their lowest level in more than a week as…
June 23, 2025

Tinubu, June 12, and the battle for memory: Lamido accuses, Presidency fires back

A fierce war of words has erupted over Nigeria’s political past, as former Jigawa State…
June 23, 2025

The reason even successful people struggle to get out of bed some days

Sometimes after a long, productive day, I only have the energy to scroll on social…
June 21, 2025

Man convicted of posing as flight attendant to fly for free 120 times

A 35-year-old American man has been found guilty of impersonating a flight attendant at least…
June 24, 2025

Three family members killed, others injured in fresh Plateau attack

At least three family members were killed while two others were injured in a fresh…
June 24, 2025

Israel Vs Iran: Here’s what to know after Day 11

What we know about Iran's attack on US base in Qatar Iran has launched missiles…
June 20, 2025

Nigerian company to make HIV, malaria test kits locally

Nigerian manufacturer Codix Bio Ltd plans to make millions of HIV and Malaria test kits…
May 13, 2025

Nigeria's Flying Eagles qualify for World Cup after dramatic win over Senegal

Nigeria's U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have secured their place at the 2025…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.