The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action to prevent the Nigerian government and telecom operators from enforcing a recently approved 50% hike in telecom tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
With the increase, call rates would rise to ₦16.5 per minute from ₦11, the cost of 1GB of data would jump to ₦431.25 from ₦287.5, and SMS prices would go up from ₦4 to ₦6.
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In a lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP challenged the tariff hike as arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, and inconsistent with Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information. The NCC was joined as a Defendant in the suit.
SERAP’s Demands in Court
SERAP, represented by human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, is seeking:
- A Declaration that the NCC’s approval of the 50% tariff hike is unlawful, unfair, and incompatible with citizens’ constitutional rights.
- An Interim Injunction to restrain the NCC, its agents, or telecom companies from implementing or enforcing the tariff hike.
- A Final Order barring any further action on the unilateral increase in tariffs until due process is followed.
SERAP emphasized that the NCC must adhere to legal, constitutional, and international standards on freedom of expression and access to information while making such decisions.
Legal Grounds
According to SERAP, the NCC’s decision violates the rights of consumers by failing to meet the principles of fairness, reasonableness, and legality enshrined in statutory and constitutional provisions. The group insists that the tariff hike disproportionately affects Nigerians, limiting their access to essential communication services.
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SERAP: What’s Next?
No date has been set for the hearing of SERAP’s interim application and substantive suit.
The move comes amid widespread backlash from Nigerians over the tariff increase, with many arguing that it will worsen the already dire economic situation in the country.
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