The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a warning to the Federal Government and telecom companies, demanding an immediate reversal of the recently approved 50% hike in call and data tariffs.
The group has given a 48-hour deadline, vowing to sue the parties involved if the hike is not rescinded within the stipulated time.
In a statement shared via its official social media platform, SERAP described the tariff increase as a violation of Nigerians’ rights to affordable communication. The group’s tweet read:
“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 new tariff rates, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), are worrisome, particularly among small business owners and students who depend heavily on affordable telecom services for their daily activities.
Under the revised rates, the minimum cost for phone calls has risen from ₦6.40 to ₦9.60 per minute, while average call rates have jumped from ₦11 to ₦15.50 per minute.
SMS charges are now ₦6 per message, up from ₦4. Data costs have also surged, with a gigabyte increasing from ₦350 to ₦525, placing further stress on consumers already struggling with inflation and high living costs.
The telecom tariffs adjustment is the first significant change since 2013. The NCC, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Mr Reuben Muoka, justified the increase as a response to the high costs of operations faced by telecom operators.
The NCC explained that while some network operators had proposed a 100% hike, the approved adjustment was capped at 50% following consultations with stakeholders. It assured Nigerians that the decision aligns with its mandate to balance consumer protection with industry sustainability.
“The NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by households and businesses. These adjustments are necessary to support operators in maintaining quality services while investing in infrastructure and innovation, the statement noted.
SERAP, however, contends that the tariff increase was implemented without sufficient transparency or public consultation. The organisation says that such a decision, affecting millions of Nigerians, must comply with constitutional and legal provisions.
The group also noted the possible impact of the hike on small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), many of which rely on affordable telecom services to drive productivity and revenue.
The tariff increase comes even as economic challenges in Nigeria are not getting better, including inflation and subsidy removals. The decision will worsen the financial burden on citizens, particularly those in vulnerable economic positions.
