The recent increase in phone rates has left Nigerians, especially those in the north, in a state of extreme distress.
Recall that in the midst of widespread hardship, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), recently authorized a 50% pricing increase for service providers.
Nigerians continue to deplore this trend, particularly those in the north whose businesses rely on the telecom sector for survival.
The current administration of the Nigerian Communications Commission has been accused by many of failing Nigerian telecom consumers by protecting the interests of a select few operators at the expense of the country’s citizens.
In light of rising energy prices and inflation rates exceeding 33%, telecom companies have justified the hike by pointing to operational challenges. Initially, operators wanted a 100 percent tariff increase, but the NCC agreed to a 50 percent adjustment.
However, civil society and consumer rights organisations argue the timing couldn’t be worse. Claiming that the action violates citizens’ rights to communication, education, and information, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the NCC and the federal government.
Telecom companies have justified the hike by pointing to operational difficulties, such as rising energy prices and inflation rates above 33%. The NCC agreed to a 50 percent rate increase, whereas operators had originally demanded a 100 percent increase.
However, civil society organisations and consumer rights groups argue the timing couldn’t be worse. The NCC and the Federal Government are being sued by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which claims that the action violates citizens’ rights to communication, education, and information.
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