The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has vowed to challenge the Nigerian Government’s decision to approve a 50% increase in telecommunications tariff.
The group expressed its dissatisfaction with the move, describing it as a burden on Nigerians already struggling with rising living costs.
The President of NATCOMS, Mr Deolu Ogunbanjo, criticised the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for failing to engage subscribers before approving the tariff hike.
Ogunbanjo stated that while the association acknowledged the financial challenges within the telecoms sector, it only supported a marginal increase of 5–10 percent to sustain the industry.
He argued that a 50% rise was excessive and would negatively impact businesses of all sizes, including small-scale enterprises like Point of Sale (POS) operators.
“This will affect everyone from the biggest industry to the smallest company, such as the Point of Service (POS) operators.
“It will increase operational costs,” Ogunbanjo said.
The NCC had defended its decision in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Dr Reuben Muoka, explaining that the approval was in response to operational cost pressures faced by telecoms operators.
The Commission noted that the increase was capped at 50%—half of the 100% initially requested by operators—and was aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the telecoms industry while maintaining service quality.
Despite the NCC’s assurances, Ogunbanjo argued that the hike would worsen the economic challenges faced by Nigerians. He urged telecoms operators to explore alternative avenues, such as raising funds through the Nigerian Exchange, rather than imposing steep increases on consumers.
“The industry operators can opt for an Initial Public Offer (IPO) for Nigerians to buy shares in their companies as a way of raising funds.
“However, a situation where a whole 50% is granted for tariff hike is not cheap and it is a no! no! from us subscribers.
“I mean, for what we are already going through, no for us, we will challenge this in court,’’ Ogunbanjo said.
Meanwhile, the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN) hinted at a possible rise in service charges as a result of the new tariffs, which will take effect in February 2025.
The development has raised widespread concerns, with critics warning that it could worsen poverty across the country.
