Telecom firms
Outrage over telecom tariff hike, NLC backs subscribers showdown with NCC, operators
By Damilola Salawu
Nigerians have expressed widespread anger and frustration over the government’s approval of a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs.
The tariff hike announced on Monday by the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC), which operators initially proposed at 100%, was said to be due to rising operational costs.
This increase has thus pushed the average cost of calls to N16.5 per minute from N11; the cost of 1GB of data to N431.25 from N287.5/GB, and SMS price to N6 from N4.
But for many citizens, this represents yet another burden in an already challenging economic climate. Telecom companies have cited the high cost of fuel, inflation, and foreign exchange difficulties as reasons for the increase, arguing that these factors have significantly raised the cost of maintaining and expanding their infrastructure.
While the government approved only half of the requested increment, the decision has not eased the public outcry.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked Nigerians to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services in protest against the the 50% hike.
For millions of Nigerians, an affordable internet is not just a convenience—it is a necessity. Social media platforms, used widely for relaxation, business, and remote work, have become an integral part of daily life.
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Entrepreneurs, content creators, and small business owners who rely on these platforms to reach customers and generate income fear that the increased tariffs will push them offline. “I run my business on Instagram and WhatsApp,” one small business owner said.
“If data becomes too expensive, how am I supposed to keep my business running? This increase could ruin everything I’ve worked for.”
Remote workers are also concerned. With the rising cost of fuel making commuting unaffordable. Many companies thus have allowed employees to work from home. However, the higher telecom costs could render remote work unfeasible for many.
“This is going to force a lot of us to either spend money we don’t have or risk losing our jobs,” a worker lamented on X, formerly Twitter.
The impact of the tariff increase extends beyond individual households and businesses. Nigeria’s growing digital economy, which has seen significant advancements in fintech, e-commerce, and digital education, is at risk of losing momentum.
Affordable internet access has been a driving force behind Nigeria’s digital progress. The new tariffs, however, threaten to widen the digital divide and make it harder for ordinary Nigerians to participate in the digital economy.
“This decision is a major step backward for Nigeria,” said a tech entrepreneur. “Affordable internet is essential for innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness. Without it, we are stifling progress.”
The outrage over the tariff hike has been loudest on social media, where Nigerians have not held back in criticizing the government and telecom operators.
Comments such as “the government is trying to kill us with these policies” and “how are we supposed to survive if even basic internet becomes unaffordable?” have flooded platforms such as X and Facebook.
Some users pointed out the emotional toll of the increase, with one tweeting, “Social media is my escape from the stress of daily life. Now even that will be out of reach.” Another lamented, “This is more than just about data. It’s about our connection to the world and our ability to live and work.”
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Nigerians are demanding that the government reconsider the tariff hike, emphasizing the severe implications it will have on livelihoods and the economy.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, condemned the tariff hike, describing it as an unjust burden on citizens already grappling with economic challenges. He expressed concern over the timing of the hike, saying it coincides with rising inflation and declining purchasing power.
According to him, telecom services have become a basic necessity as the average Nigerian worker spends approximately 10% of their income on telecom charges.
He said, “This decision, coming at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.
“Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10% of their wages on telecom charges.
“For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means an increase from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month or 15 percent of his salary — a cost that is unsustainable.”
Advocacy groups are calling for policies that protect consumers while addressing the operational challenges faced by telecom operators. Suggestions include subsidizing internet access for low-income households, regulating price increases, and investing in infrastructure to reduce costs for telecom providers.
The government, however, has yet to respond to the growing public discontent, leaving many Nigerians worried about what lies ahead.
For now, the anger and anxiety continue to mount, as citizens face the harsh reality of yet another policy that threatens their financial stability and access to the digital world.
As one X user put it, “This isn’t just about the internet; it’s about our future. If the government doesn’t listen to us, they’re risking more than just our outrage—they’re risking the very progress of our country.”
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