Nigerians are gearing up for a nationwide protest following the approval of a 50% telecom tariff increase by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This decision has sparked outrage among citizens, especially considering the ongoing economic difficulties in the country, which include the devaluation of the naira and rising living costs.
Telecom giants like MTN and Airtel had originally called for a 100% increase, but the government approved a smaller 50% rise. Starting in February, Nigerians will pay N16.5 per minute for calls (up from N11), N6 for SMS (up from N4), and N431.25 for 1 gigabit of data.
Many believe the timing of this tariff increase is particularly problematic. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced strong opposition, calling the decision an additional burden on already struggling Nigerians. The NLC is even preparing to mobilize workers for a boycott of telecom services in protest.
Activists and politicians are also speaking out. Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the OBIDIENT Movement Worldwide, has criticized the tariff hike, calling it a “wrong timing, wrong action, and wrong choice.” He believes that the increase will harm businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and exacerbate Nigeria’s already fragile economy. Tanko has called for the government to reconsider the decision, proposing a much smaller 15% increase instead of 50%.
Students are among the most affected by the tariff hike. Many rely on affordable internet for academic research, and the increased costs could make it even harder for them to access online resources. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to reverse the hike or face widespread protests across the country.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has urged telecom companies to improve their services, including network reliability and speed, as part of the tariff increase. However, critics argue that the primary concern should be the financial strain on Nigerians, especially during these tough times.
Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has also joined the call for protests, meeting with NLC leadership to discuss ways to organize a nationwide demonstration. Many see this protest as a crucial step in holding the government accountable for decisions that directly impact the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.
As the protests take shape, the government faces a critical decision: will they listen to the voices of the people and reverse the telecom tariff hike, or will they press ahead with a decision that many Nigerians see as a step too far? The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of this national debate.
