By Capital Watch Media
Telecom subscribers in Nigeria have taken legal action against the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, over a 50 per cent increase in call and data tariffs, following failed negotiations with the regulator.
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, NATCOMS, announced its intention to file a lawsuit on Wednesday, arguing that the NCC’s decision was excessive and should be reduced to a 10 per cent adjustment.
NATCOMS President, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, stated, “We gave them until the end of the day (Tuesday) to respond. Since we have not received any response, we are moving forward with the court process starting tomorrow (Wednesday).”
The tariff hike, which marks the first adjustment in over a decade, has sparked widespread concern among advocacy groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.
They argue that the increase disproportionately affects low-income Nigerians already struggling with inflation and economic instability.
On Friday, NATCOMS sent a formal letter to the NCC, urging the commission to reconsider its decision within three working days.
However, the regulator did not respond before the deadline expired.
Ogunbanjo explained that the letter highlighted the impact of the tariff increase on ordinary Nigerians, particularly small business owners who rely on affordable telecom services.
“Our National Secretary informed us that the NCC has until 11:59 pm today (Tuesday) to respond. They can still reply through their website, which is available 24/7, but with no word from them, we are left with no choice but to proceed with legal action.”
Meanwhile, SERAP has filed a separate lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the NCC’s decision.
In case number FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025, the organisation described the tariff hike as “arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, unfair, and unreasonable.”
SERAP is asking the court to determine whether the NCC’s decision violates Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
It is also seeking an interim injunction to prevent the commission from implementing the tariff increase.
Despite the backlash, telecom operators insist that the price adjustment is necessary to sustain their businesses amid rising operational costs.
The increase is set to take effect in February, with major telecom companies planning to use the additional revenue to expand infrastructure and improve service quality.
Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, said, “This tariff adjustment represents an important step towards addressing the impacts of the prevailing economic challenges on our business and industry.”
Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, also defended the price hike, stating, “The tariff adjustment reflects a balanced approach to ensuring the sustainability of the telecom sector while safeguarding the interests of consumers.”
The Federal Government has backed the increase, with Finance Minister Wale Edun arguing that it reflects inflationary pressures over the past 12 years.
“There has been a rise in costs, and that needs to be reflected,” he said during an interview at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos.
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has also voiced its support, calling on telecom operators to improve service delivery in exchange for the higher rates.
LCCI Director-General, Chinyere Almona, said, “Operators and regulators need to focus on delivering quality services to drive operational cost efficiency for businesses.”
However, analysts warn that the tariff increase alone may not resolve the sector’s financial challenges.
They point to factors such as fluctuating exchange rates, which continue to affect telecom operators’ ability to invest in infrastructure.
Gbenga Adebayor, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, noted, “Many systems within the telecom sector are outdated, and equipment requires urgent optimisation.”
While NATCOMS and SERAP press forward with their legal battles, subscribers across the country remain uncertain about whether the new tariffs will take effect as planned.
