The House of Representatives has demanded the immediate suspension of the 50% telecom tariff hike, citing economic hardship and poor service quality. Lawmakers urged the NCC and the Minister of Communications to halt the increase as Nigerians struggle with rising costs. Telecom subscribers have expressed outrage over higher call and data rates.
The House of Representatives has called for the immediate suspension of the recently implemented 50% hike in telecom tariffs, citing the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
This resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance raised by lawmaker Oboku Oforji during Tuesday’s plenary session. The lawmakers also criticized the poor service quality from telecom providers, arguing that any tariff increase should only come after significant improvements in service delivery.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had earlier approved the tariff adjustment, stating that it was necessary for industry sustainability. However, the House has directed the NCC and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, to halt the new pricing regime.
Many subscribers took to social media to express frustration over increased costs for calls, data, and text messages. With over 224 million telecom subscribers in Nigeria, the hike has triggered widespread concerns, especially as inflation and rising costs of living continue to strain households. Labor unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), had initially threatened protests but postponed action following discussions with the government.
Amid the broader economic downturn, worsened by the removal of petrol subsidies and the naira’s depreciation, lawmakers insist that the tariff hike is ill-timed and must be reversed. The government now faces mounting pressure to intervene as Nigerians struggle with what many describe as the worst economic crisis in decades.
