The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has issued a strong condemnation of the recently approved 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), calling it a direct attack on the dignity and livelihoods of Nigerians who are already grappling with the harsh realities of economic hardship. In a statement released on Wednesday, the National Coordinator of the coalition, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, expressed deep concerns over the timing of the tariff hike, highlighting that it comes at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with hyperinflation, skyrocketing unemployment rates, and widespread economic instability.
The coalition did not mince words in describing the hike as an act of insensitivity by both the NCC and the Federal Ministry of Communications. According to Charanchi, this move demonstrates a lack of foresight and a blatant disregard for the current plight of the average Nigerian. “This tariff increase reflects an alarming level of insensitivity on the part of the NCC and the Federal Ministry of Communications, who appear to be detached from the economic struggles of ordinary Nigerians,” Charanchi said. He also dismissed claims by the NCC that the decision was based on extensive consultations with stakeholders, asserting that millions of struggling telecom consumers were excluded from the process.
The CNG expressed particular concern over the widening digital divide that this tariff hike could exacerbate. They argued that access to telecommunications is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s interconnected world, playing a critical role in communication, education, healthcare, and commerce. The coalition stressed that the NCC’s decision to approve the tariff hike jeopardizes these essential services, effectively excluding a large portion of the population from accessing tools that are vital for economic survival and growth.
The group has called for the immediate suspension of the tariff hike, proposing instead a more measured and reasonable adjustment of no more than 10%. They argue that such a move would strike a necessary balance between sustaining the telecommunications industry and accommodating the harsh economic realities faced by millions of Nigerians. In addition, the CNG has demanded the resignation or outright dismissal of the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and the Minister of Communications, accusing them of prioritizing corporate profits over the welfare of Nigerian citizens. “The leadership of the NCC and the Ministry has consistently shown a willingness to protect their own interests and those of private telecom operators at the expense of the Nigerian people,” Charanchi said in his statement.
The coalition also criticized the longstanding issues within the telecommunications sector that have yet to be adequately addressed. They pointed to poor service delivery, frequent call failures, undelivered messages, and rapidly depleting data subscriptions as significant problems that the NCC has failed to resolve. These issues, they argued, highlight the regulatory body’s failure to hold operators accountable, which raises serious concerns about its commitment to protecting consumer rights. The CNG emphasized that the NCC has neglected its duty to ensure fair and equitable service delivery, choosing instead to approve a tariff increase that compounds the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The coalition warned that policies such as this, which impose additional financial burdens on citizens, could have far-reaching social and political consequences. They urged Nigerians, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to resist what they described as a “desperate and unethical collaboration” between public officials and private telecom operators. The group stressed that such policies undermine public trust and could lead to widespread dissatisfaction, which poses a significant risk to national stability.
In their statement, the CNG underscored the critical role of the telecommunications sector in driving Nigeria’s digital economy. However, they insisted that its growth must not come at the expense of the people it is meant to serve. They reiterated their commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerians, vowing to take all lawful measures to challenge the tariff hike and ensure that public policies prioritize the needs of the people.
The group also highlighted the global implications of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, stressing the need for a robust telecommunications framework to combat these issues. They warned that the NCC’s actions could undermine Nigeria’s efforts to address these global challenges, further isolating the country from international progress in digital communication and governance.
The coalition concluded by calling on the Federal Government to reconsider its stance on the tariff hike and adopt policies that reflect a genuine commitment to improving the lives of Nigerian citizens. They urged the government to engage in transparent and inclusive consultations with all stakeholders, including consumers, to ensure that any future decisions on telecommunications tariffs are fair, equitable, and aligned with the economic realities of the country.
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