The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy recently defended the decision to increase telecom service tariffs by 50% due to economic factors such as inflation and rising costs. The Minister emphasized the need for investment in telecommunications infrastructure to ensure economic growth.
Advocacy groups and subscribers have expressed discontent with the tariff hike, with plans to challenge it in court. The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project are leading efforts to reverse the increase through legal action.
Despite the backlash, the telecom regulator approved the tariff adjustment to address operational costs in the industry. The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50%, aims to balance consumer interests and industry sustainability, according to the regulator.
The decision has sparked debates among Nigerians, particularly concerning its impact on low-income earners who rely on affordable communication services. The regulator has assured transparent implementation of the adjustments to safeguard consumer interests.