By Josephine Oguntoinbo

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Telecommunication subscribers have strongly condemned the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) recent approval of a 50 percent tariff increase, set to take effect in March.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions. telecom operators argue that the hike is essential for the sustainability of the sector, while consumers and advocacy groups express concerns about its affordability.

An economist, Mr Jude Ologun in an interview with Weekend Hope warned that the increase would further burden consumers already grappling with economic difficulties.

He acknowledged that telecom operators claim the hike would enable them to improve service quality and expand networks, but Ologun cautioned that it might worsen the digital divide.

Low-income households and small businesses, he said, could struggle to cope with the higher costs.

A recharge card seller highlighted the far-reaching impact the tariff hike would have on consumers, operators, and the broader economy, stressing that it would negatively affect their business.

On her part, a lawyer, Bola Ayede described the decision as an additional financial strain on Nigerians already facing rising living costs.

She labelled the hike as excessive and insensitive, asserting that alternative solutions should have been considered before resorting to a tariff increase.

Many subscribers, in separate interviews with Weekend Hope, voiced their opposition to the hike, demanding an immediate reversal of the decision.

The new tariffs will see call rates rise from ₦6.40 to ₦9.60 (minimum) and ₦11 to ₦15.50 (average) per minute. SMS charges will increase from ₦4 to ₦6, while mobile data prices will jump from ₦350 to ₦525 per gigabyte.

Consumer advocacy groups, such as the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), have rejected the hike, citing concerns over its affordability and the widening digital divide. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government and NCC over the increase.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also joined the opposition, warning of a nationwide boycott of telecom services in protest. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and Nuhu Toro, Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), argued that the new tariffs would worsen the country’s economic situation, making communication unaffordable for many.