The planned protest against the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs has been called off following a last-minute intervention by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) suspended its decision during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, marking a shift in its stance after extensive deliberations and a forensic review of the economic realities affecting telecom service providers.
Last week, the NCSCN convened an emergency meeting after news emerged that the Federal Government had approved the tariff hike. The Council, along with its 620 affiliate organisations, initially condemned the decision and planned a mass protest to occupy the headquarters of the NCC and the National Assembly until the government reversed the adjustment.
Following its protocols, the NCSCN formally notified the NCC of its intentions. However, in what the Council described as an unprecedented display of responsiveness, the NCC reached out within 24 hours to initiate discussions. This led to a four-hour meeting between an 11-man NCSCN delegation and NCC officials.
According to Blessing Akinlosotu, NCSCN Executive Director, the Council’s delegation initially approached the meeting prepared for a showdown, expecting to challenge the NCC on the tariff decision. However, after reviewing detailed presentations, economic assessments, and operational data, the Council reconsidered its stance.
To ensure an objective evaluation, the Council formed a five-man technical committee to conduct a forensic analysis of telecom service providers’ operational costs, financial statements, and profit margins. The committee’s findings revealed that telecom operators had not increased tariffs since 2013 despite inflation and harsh economic conditions. Rising costs of electricity and diesel, security challenges such as vandalism of infrastructure, and the devaluation of the naira were identified as key factors impacting telecom operations.
While the approved 50% tariff hike represents an upper limit, the Council noted that competition among service providers could prevent operators from implementing the maximum increase. The NCC has also mandated service quality improvements, requiring telecom providers to upgrade infrastructure to enhance network efficiency.
Following a review of these findings, the NCSCN acknowledged the economic pressures affecting both consumers and service providers. Akinlosotu stated that while Nigerians are battling severe economic hardship, telecom companies are also struggling to maintain operations due to increasing costs.
The NCSCN called on the NCC to ensure strict compliance with conditions tied to the tariff hike, particularly service quality improvements. It also urged telecom providers to keep tariffs as low as possible and advised the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the energy sector to address high electricity and fuel costs.
After reviewing the evidence, the NCSCN announced the cancellation of its planned protest, urging its members to stand down. Akinlosotu also appealed to the Nigerian Labour Congress to reconsider its opposition to the tariff adjustment, warning that continued resistance could push the telecom sector towards collapse. He urged Nigerians to remain patient, expressing hope that the right policies would lead to gradual economic improvement.
