The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has announced the suspension of its planned protest against the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs approved by the Federal Government.
This decision was made during the Council’s presentation of its findings and official position on the controversial tariff hike announced by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, led by Dr. Bosun Tijani.
The government initially rejected a 100% increase requested by telecom operators but approved a 50% hike instead.
The announcement of the increase sparked widespread public discontent, with civil society groups, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), expressing strong opposition and calling for protests.
However, NCSCN President Blessing Akinlosotu told the press that after extensive consultations and deliberations with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the operational costs faced by service providers, the Council saw merit in the regulator’s decision to cap the increase at 50% to prevent the collapse of the telecom sector.
Akinlosotu admitted that the Council lacked complete information when it initially decided to mobilize for the protest. He urged Nigerians to understand the circumstances surrounding the tariff hike while promising continued engagement with the NCC and telecom operators.
He identified key factors driving operational costs, including vandalism, high diesel prices, inflation, and multiple taxation. The Council called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the energy sector, improve electricity supply, and bolster security to stabilize production costs and retain businesses within the country.
Furthermore, Akinlosotu stressed the need for measures to strengthen the naira and lower foreign exchange rates, which would reduce the cost of doing business and limit the necessity for future tariff hikes.
The NCSCN’s decision underscores the need for collaborative solutions to balance the interests of consumers, service providers, and the government in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.