CNG Opposes Telecom Tariff Hike, Calls for Suspension
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly condemned the recent approval by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) for a 50% increase in telecom tariffs.
This hike will lead to a rise in call costs from N11 to N16.50 per minute, SMS rates from N4 to N6, and data prices from N350 to N431.25 per gigabyte.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the coalition’s National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, he stated, “The CNG totally and unequivocally rejects the recent astronomical 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs in the country as sanctioned by the NCC.”
The CNG also called the decision “an assault on the dignity and livelihoods of the people that have been economically pauperized.”
Charanchi added, “The CNG is appalled by the insensitivity and lack of foresight shown by the NCC and the Federal Ministry of Communications in approving such an exorbitant tariff hike.”
The coalition argued, “It is unjustifiable for the NCC to cite operational cost increases and industry sustainability as reasons for the increase devoid of considering the current economic realities bequeathed to ordinary Nigerians.”
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The CNG disputed the claim that the decision followed “extensive consultations” with stakeholders, saying, “The assertion that the decision followed ‘extensive consultations’ with stakeholders is complete misrepresentation of reality as certainly the millions of struggling telecom consumers were not part of the consultation.
“By approving this hike, we contend, the NCC has jeopardized access to communication, education, healthcare, and commerce for the average Nigerian and further expanded the frontiers of the digital divide in the country.”
The CNG called for the immediate suspension of the 50% hike and recommended instead, “A more reasonable adjustment of a maximum of 10%, which balances industry sustainability with the current economic realities in Nigeria.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
