The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) at the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025) over the recent 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs.
In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP described the tariff increase as “arbitrary, unconstitutional, and unfair,” arguing that it infringes on Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international treaties.
“The unilateral approval of a 50% telecom tariff hike by the NCC is unlawful and contravenes the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 and international human rights standards,” said SERAP’s lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN.
The group also criticized the NCC for failing to consult critical stakeholders, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, before implementing the decision.
The tariff increase has raised the cost of a one-minute call from N11 to N16.5, 1GB of data from N287.5 to N431.25, and SMS charges from N4 to N6. SERAP argued that this decision disregards the principles of fairness, reasonableness, and due process required in the exercise of statutory powers.
The organisation emphasized that the hike violates citizens’ rights to seek, receive, and share information without discrimination.
The increase has sparked public outrage, especially as it comes at a time when Nigerians are already burdened by the removal of fuel subsidies, rising electricity tariffs, and escalating food prices.
“This tariff hike is happening amidst a cost-of-living crisis, making it even harder for Nigerians to afford basic needs, let alone higher communication costs,” SERAP noted.
SERAP is asking the court to declare the tariff hike unconstitutional and to issue an injunction preventing its implementation. The group also seeks the nullification of the NCC’s decision, describing it as “extortive, unreasonable, and a breach of due process.”
Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s Deputy Director, emphasized the importance of keeping telecommunication services affordable, stating, “Access to communication is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right. The government and the NCC have a duty to ensure affordability, especially for Nigerians living in poverty.”
Subscriber Groups Issue Ultimatum
Meanwhile, telecom subscriber groups have demanded that the NCC reverse the tariff hike to a 10% increase by Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
The lawsuit is yet to be scheduled for a hearing but could have significant implications for the regulation of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
%20has%20filed%20a%20lawsuit%20against%20President%20Bola%20Tinubu%20and%20the%20Nigerian%20Communications%20Commission%20(NCC)%20at%20the%20Federal%20High%20Court%20in%20Abuja%20(Suit%20No.%20FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025)%20over%20the%20recent%2050%%20hike%20in%20telecommunications%20tariffs.){kind=link}