SERAP Sues FG, NCC, Over 50% Telecom Tariff Increase
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the recently approved 50% increase in telecom tariffs.
The hike includes a rise in the cost of a one-minute call from N11 to N16.5, the price of 1GB of data from N287.5 to N431.25, and SMS charges from N4 to N6.
SERAP has labeled the increase as “arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, unfair, and unreasonable,” asserting that it infringes on citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information as protected by the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties.
The lawsuit was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025), where SERAP contends that the tariff hike violates constitutional provisions and international human rights standards.
It argues that the NCC’s decision is arbitrary, unconstitutional, and unjust, highlighting the failure to consult important stakeholders such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, the lawyer representing SERAP, said, “The unilateral decision by the NCC to approve a 50% hike in telecom tariffs is arbitrary, unconstitutional, and unfair. This action contravenes both the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 and international human rights standards. It also reflects a failure to consult key stakeholders, such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.”
The tariff hike has faced significant opposition, with many arguing that it comes at a time when Nigerians are already struggling with rising costs of living.
A report from the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty.
SERAP stated, “This tariff hike is happening at a time when Nigerians are grappling with a cost-of-living crisis. Many are struggling to afford basic necessities, let alone higher communication costs. The move adds to existing burdens, including fuel subsidy removal, rising electricity tariffs, and soaring food prices.”
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The organization points out that the increase exacerbates the hardships faced by citizens who are already battling severe economic difficulties.
In its prayers, SERAP is asking the court to declare the tariff hike as unconstitutional and to stop its implementation.
The organization is also seeking a ruling to nullify the NCC’s decision, describing it as “extortive, unreasonable, and a breach of due process.”
Additionally, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized that the tariff hike has broad implications, saying, “Access to communication is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right. The government and the NCC have a duty to ensure that telecommunication services remain affordable, especially for the millions of Nigerians living in poverty.”
The case has yet to be scheduled for a hearing, but its outcome could have significant implications for telecommunications regulation in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, subscriber groups have issued an ultimatum to the NCC, demanding that the 50% tariff hike be reversed to 10% by January 29, 2025.
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.
