Northern coalition rejects telecom tariff hike

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly condemned the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs sanctioned by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The group described the hike as an assault on the dignity and livelihoods of Nigerians already grappling with severe economic challenges.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, expressed deep concern over the timing of the tariff hike, highlighting that it comes amid widespread economic hardships, hyperinflation, and rising unemployment in the country.

“We are appalled by the insensitivity and lack of foresight demonstrated by the NCC and the Federal Ministry of Communications in approving such an exorbitant tariff hike,” the statement read.

The group also dismissed the NCC’s claim that the decision was based on extensive consultations with stakeholders.

According to the CNG, millions of struggling telecom consumers were excluded from the consultation process, rendering the decision unrepresentative and unfair.

The coalition emphasized the critical role telecommunications play in modern society, noting that access to communication, education, healthcare, and commerce is essential for economic survival.

” By approving the tariff hike, the CNG argued, the NCC has widened the digital divide and jeopardized access to vital services for many Nigerians.

The CNG called for the immediate suspension of the tariff hike and proposed a more reasonable increase of no more than 10%, which it believes would strike a balance between industry sustainability and the current economic realities.

The group also demanded the resignation or dismissal of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC and the Minister of Communications, accusing them of prioritizing corporate interests over the welfare of Nigerian citizens.

“The leadership of the NCC and the Ministry have proven to protect their personal interests and have become insensitive to the plight of Nigerians,” Charanchi said.

Concerns Over Service Quality

In addition to criticizing the tariff hike, the CNG pointed to longstanding issues with the telecommunications industry, including poor service quality, failed calls, undelivered messages, and wasted data subscriptions. The coalition accused the NCC of failing to hold operators accountable for these deficiencies while allowing the tariff increase to proceed unchecked.

Call to Action

The CNG urged Nigerians, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to resist what it described as a “desperate and wicked collaboration” between public officials and private telecom operators.

The group warned that any policy worsening the economic hardship of citizens could have dangerous consequences.

“The telecommunications sector is pivotal to Nigeria’s digital economy, but its growth must not come at the expense of the people,” the CNG asserted.

The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerians, vowing to take all lawful measures to challenge the tariff increase and ensure the implementation of policies that uplift the population.