Nigerians are gearing up for nationwide protests over the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50% increase in telecom tariffs.
The new rates, set to take effect in February 2025, will raise call costs from N11 to N16.5 per minute, SMS from N4 to N6, and one gigabyte of data to N431.25.
Telecommunication operators like MTN and Airtel had initially pushed for a 100% hike, citing the naira’s devaluation and rising operational expenses.
However, the approval of a reduced 50% increase has still drawn widespread criticism from labour unions, activists, and citizens, who argued it will worsen the country’s economic struggles.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged Nigerians to reject the new tariffs, warning of an additional burden on households already struggling with inflation and rising costs of living.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) also criticized the increase, describing it as untimely and damaging to workers’ livelihoods.
Student groups have expressed outrage, highlighting how the hike will limit access to affordable internet for academic research.
Comrade Timothy Onyilo said “the only language the government understands is protest and they are going to have it.
“Did they really consider students before coming up with this decision or they just feel like everybody is the same?
“We are already pained that students are suffering due to the high cost of living and you still want to add to their problems.
“Every student needs the internet for academic research. I am doing my MSc in the Abuja university here.
“We spend a lot of data doing research. Things are already hard and some people are still making it harder.
“Instead of them finding a way to improve the services, they are only interested in taking money from us.
“Sometimes, MTN, Glo and even Airtel will frustrate your life as if they are giving you service for free, yet nobody is talking about that”.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to reverse the decision or face mass protests.
Meanwhile, activists, including Omoyele Sowore, have begun discussions with labour unions to coordinate nationwide demonstrations.
“I met with the NLC leadership yesterday to discuss possible nationwide action against this unjust and backbreaking tarring increase.
“Yes, I will support any form of credible protest”, he told Daily Post.
Critics argued that the tariff increase could deepen poverty, limit access to education, and disrupt small and medium-sized businesses reliant on affordable communication.
Although the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has urged telecom operators to improve network reliability and accessibility as part of the adjustment, stakeholders maintained that the timing of the increase is unjustified.
