Ahead of the February 4, 2025 protest planned by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, against the 50 percent telecom tariff increase, a coalition of civil society organizations, CSOs, has said the exercise is not in public interest.
The CSOs, under the aegis of Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups, CHRMG, kicked against the protest in a statement on Monday, describing the tariff increment as a necessary measure to prevent the collapse of the telecom sector.
DAILY POST reported that following the 50 percent tariff hike, which was approved by the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, the NLC had rejected the decision and instead, proposed a five percent tariff increment.
The labour organization also wrote to its affiliate unions and state councils to ensure total and full mobilisation of workers and allies for a protest against the 50 percent tariff hike on February 4.
Also, the telecom operators, through their umbrella body, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria, ALTON, had at a town hall meeting in Lagos on Saturday warned that the NLC should not to drive in the last nail in the coffin of an already ailing telecom sector with the planned protest.
In a statement on Monday, signed by their leader, Dr. Gabriel Agibi, the CSOs noted that the NLC was misguided in its decision to protest against the hike.
According to the statement, with the current inflation rate at 34.8 percent, a nearly 300 percent increase from 8.5 percent in 2013, when the tariff was last reviewed, the latest adjustment is essential to reflect economic realities.
The NCC’s decision took into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability, the CSOs added.
It also stressed that the tariff hike is also crucial in ensuring that Nigeria’s telecom sector remains competitive, and operate according to international standards.
“The increase will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, ensuring that it does not unduly burden consumers.
“The tariff hike is also crucial in ensuring that Nigeria’s telecom sector remains competitive with international standards. Compared to other countries, Nigeria’s telecom tariffs are relatively low.
“For instance, in South Africa, the average cost of 1GB of data is around N1,200, while in Ghana, it is around N1,500. In Nigeria, the average cost of 1GB of data is around N500. The tariff hike will help to bridge this gap and ensure that telecom operators can invest in infrastructure and provide quality services to consumers.
“The tariff hike is also essential for the Nigerian government’s digital economy agenda, which aims to leverage technology to drive economic growth and development.
“With increased revenue from tariffs, telecom operators will be able to invest in expanding their networks, improving internet speeds, and developing new digital services, ultimately supporting the government’s efforts to create a more digital and connected society,” the statement said.
Noting that President Bola Tinubu is committed to creating a conducive business environment in the telecoms sector, the CSOs urged the NLC to reconsider its stance and engage in constructive dialogue with the NCC and other stakeholders.
The statement added, “We warn the NLC that its actions may have unintended consequences, including harming the very people it claims to represent.
“We urge the NLC to prioritize the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens by supporting policies that promote economic growth and development.”
Urging Nigerians to look beyond the short-term pains of the tariff hike and consider the long-term benefits it will bring to the economy as a whole”, the statement noted that a stronger and more sustainable telecom sector will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life in the country.
