The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is planning a protest against the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs, but a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has strongly opposed this move, arguing that the protest is misguided and not in the public interest. The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups (CHRMG) has stated that the tariff hike, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is necessary to sustain the telecom industry amid rising economic challenges.
The Nigerian telecom industry has operated on the same tariff structure since 2013, despite significant economic changes. According to Dr. Gabriel Agibi, President of CHRMG, the inflation rate has surged from 8.5% in 2013 to 34.8% in 2024, a nearly 300% increase. In light of this, he argues that adjusting telecom tariffs is a necessary step to reflect economic realities and ensure the sustainability of the sector.
Agibi emphasized that the NCC’s decision was made in good faith and is part of ongoing industry reforms aimed at strengthening the telecom sector. He noted that without this adjustment, telecom operators may struggle to maintain quality services and invest in much-needed infrastructure upgrades. The tariff hike is also essential for ensuring that Nigeria’s telecom sector remains competitive with international standards.
Comparing telecom tariffs in other African countries, Agibi pointed out that Nigeria’s data costs remain significantly lower. For example, in South Africa, the average cost of 1GB of data is around ₦1,200, while in Ghana, it is around ₦1,500. In contrast, Nigeria’s current average cost of 1GB of data is around ₦500. The tariff adjustment is expected to help bridge this gap and provide telecom operators with the revenue needed to improve services, expand network coverage, and enhance internet speeds.
Beyond maintaining service quality, Agibi highlighted that the increase aligns with Nigeria’s digital economy agenda. A well-funded telecom industry will enable operators to invest in expanding their networks, developing digital services, and supporting the government’s vision of a more connected and technology-driven society.
The Coalition commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for implementing reforms aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector. Agibi praised the government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and stressed that the tariff adjustment is a necessary step to protect the industry’s future.
CHRMG also called on the NLC to reconsider its stance and engage in constructive dialogue with the NCC and other stakeholders rather than resorting to protests. The coalition warned that the NLC’s planned demonstration could have unintended consequences, potentially harming the very people it seeks to protect by jeopardizing the stability of the telecom sector.
Rather than opposing the increase, Agibi urged Nigerians to look at the long-term benefits. A stronger telecom industry will create jobs, drive economic growth, and improve digital access across the country. While there may be short-term discomfort, the long-term gains will ensure better services and greater economic opportunities for all Nigerians.
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