The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has taken the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission to court over the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs.
The NCC approved the tariff hike, raising the cost of a one-minute call from N11 to N16.5, 1GB of data from N287.5 to N431.25, and SMS charges from N4 to N6.
The decision has sparked public criticism, with SERAP describing the move as “arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, unfair, and unreasonable.”
In the lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025), SERAP argued that the tariff hike violates citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information, as protected by the Nigerian Constitution and international treaties.
“The unilateral decision by the NCC to approve a 50% hike in telecom tariffs is arbitrary, unconstitutional, and unfair,” SERAP’s lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, said.
SERAP further contended that the decision violates the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 and international human rights standards. The group emphasized that the NCC failed to consult key stakeholders, such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, before implementing the increase.
“The NCC’s action undermines citizens’ right to seek, receive, and impart information through communication media without discrimination,” SERAP stated in its court filing.
The tariff increase comes at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with economic challenges. A report by the National Bureau of Statistics recently revealed that 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty.
“This hike is happening when Nigerians are already facing a cost-of-living crisis,” SERAP noted. “Many are struggling to afford basic necessities, let alone higher communication costs. The move adds to the burden of fuel subsidy removal, rising electricity tariffs, and soaring food prices.”
SERAP is seeking a court declaration that the tariff hike is illegal and violates constitutional provisions and international treaties. The organisation also wants the court to nullify the NCC’s decision, describing it as “extortive, unreasonable, and a breach of due process.”
Meanwhile, telecom subscribers have issued an ultimatum to the NCC, demanding that the tariff hike be reduced to 10% by Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stressed the importance of affordable communication for Nigerians. “Access to communication is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right. The government and NCC have a duty to ensure telecommunication services remain affordable, especially for the millions of Nigerians living in poverty,” he said.
A hearing date for the case has yet to be set, but the outcome could have significant implications for telecom regulation in Nigeria.
