By John Joseph
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The recent approval of a 50% tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sparked outrage among telecom subscribers, who are now heading to court to challenge the decision. The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has rejected the hike, proposing a maximum increase of 10% instead ¹.
According to the President of NATCOMS, Mr. Deolu Ogunbanjo, the 50% hike will have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only individuals but also businesses, including small-scale entrepreneurs like Point of Service (POS) operators. He argued that the increase will lead to higher operational costs, ultimately hurting the economy.
The NCC’s decision to approve the tariff hike was based on its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. However, NATCOMS has vowed to challenge the decision in court, insisting that the hike is unacceptable.
Meanwhile, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has warned that the tariff hike will exacerbate the financial burdens on low-income consumers. The LCCI Director General, Mrs. Chinyere Almona, noted that while the hike may provide relief for telecom operators, it will ultimately harm consumers, particularly those in lower-income brackets.
As the controversy surrounding the tariff hike continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of Nigeria’s telecom subscribers hangs in the balance. Will the court intervene to halt the hike, or will subscribers be forced to bear the brunt of increased tariffs?
Key Focus Phrase: Telecoms Tariff Hike in Nigeria
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Meta Description: The Nigerian Communications Commission’s approval of a 50% telecoms tariff hike has sparked outrage among subscribers, who are now heading to court to challenge the decision.