Nigeria’s House of Representatives has asked the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to suspend the approval granted to telecommunications companies (telcos) for a 50% tariff increase.
The House of Representatives called for the immediate suspension of the 50% hike in telecoms tariff. The resolution was passed following a motion of urgent national importance moved by Hon. Oboku Oforji,a Peoples Democratic party (PDP) Lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Opokuma federal Constituency of Bayelsa State.
This decision was made in response to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of the tariff increase, which has been met with widespread criticism from Nigerians.
While moving the motion, Oforji argued that the tariff hike was unjustified given the current economic hardship and poor network service, he stated that affordable connectivity was essential for key sectors such as digital banking, education, healthcare, Agriculture and e-governance.
Many subscribers on social media who used the services of telecom operators on Tuesday observed about a 50% increase in the cost of calls, data and text messages.
The lawmakers argued that the tariff hike would exacerbate the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, and insisted that an increase in tariff should not happen until service improves. They also ordered the NCC and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, to suspend the tariff increase.
The NCC had earlier approved a 50% tariff increase for telecom operators, citing the need to review tariffs in line with the current economic realities. However, this decision has been met with resistance from Nigerians, who argue that the tariff hike would further increase the cost of living in the country.
Justifying the tariff increase decision, the Nigeria Minister of communications, innovation, and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani said the increase would enable Telcos to invest in infrastructure and improve connectivity.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had also threatened to embark on a nationwide protest against the tariff hike, but later suspended the protest after a meeting with government representatives. The labour unions had argued that the tariff hike would lead to a further increase in the cost of living in the country, and demanded that the government reverse the decision.
Following the adoption of the motion, the Nigeria House of Representatives urged the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communications Commissions to suspend the impending hike in telecommunications tariffs until their service improved.
As the lawmakers argued, an increase in tariff should not happen until service improves, and the government must ensure that the interests of Nigerians are protected.
Timeline of Events
- January 2025: The NCC approves a 50% tariff increase for telecom operators, citing the need to review tariffs in line with the current economic realities.
- January 2025: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) threaten to embark on a nationwide protest against the tariff hike.
- February 11, 2025: The House of Representatives demands the suspension of the 50% telecoms tariff hike, following a motion of urgent national importance moved by Hon. Oboku Oforji.
