Following the recent price hike in calls and data as approved by FG for the Telecos, Nigerians have sworn to drag the Federal government to court over the 50% Tariff Hike.
Adeolu Ogunbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, and Ogungbayi Ganiyu, the National Spokesperson for the Association of Mobile Money & Bank Agents in Nigeria, declared their intentions in an interview with DAILYPOST.
Ogunbanjo talked about how the price hike will affect Nigerians adversely who are struggling to cope with other price hikes in fuel, transportation, and food, amongst other items.
He said, “It is unfortunate that it is the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who is the one leading the telecommunications service increase.
“He should not impoverish Nigerians.
“While I understand the challenges facing the telecom sector, we agreed to a 5 to 10 percent tariff hike. If that is not enough, the telcos should go to the capital market to raise funds.
“We are going to court to challenge the decision by the federal government to approve a 50 percent tariff hike because we have given them options.
“We’ve painfully agreed to a telecom tariff hike. We know we are going to pay more but not 50 percent.
“The telcos requested a 100 percent tariff hike; of course the telcos want to make more profit to the detriment of subscribers.
“50 percent tariff hike is too much. We are saying no. It is not acceptable. Anything more than 10 percent, we are going to court.
“This tariff will be enormous. Every business will increase their tariff. From the companies to the ordinary POS operators.
“This will cause further impoverishment of Nigerians.”
Ogungbayi Ganiyu, the National Public Relations Officer at AMMBAN, also spoke about the price hike and how will affect the members of the POS community.
He said, “The telecom tariff hike will impact the operations of our members. I am afraid this may also have a multiplier effect on service charge.
“We have not sat down and looked at the latest tariff hike.
“However, the telecom service hike may not affect our operations.
“Our members may decide to bear the burden of the hike.
“Just like bankers, POS operators should be treated with respect in the banking sector because we are assisting them to reach the hinterlands.”
Naijaeyes report
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