The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly condemned the recent 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), calling for its immediate reversal and demanding the resignation of the Minister of Communications and the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, CNG National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, described the tariff increase as an attack on Nigerians already grappling with severe economic challenges.
“The CNG totally and unequivocally rejects the recent astronomical 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs in the country as sanctioned by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)….
” 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,” Charanchi stated.
According to the group, the timing of the hike, amid widespread economic hardship caused by hyperinflation, rising unemployment, and economic mismanagement, makes the decision indefensible.
The CNG dismissed the NCC’s justification of operational cost increases and industry sustainability as reasons for the hike, accusing the commission of failing to consider the harsh realities faced by ordinary Nigerians. The group also questioned the claim that the decision was based on extensive consultations, asserting that millions of telecom consumers were excluded from the process.
“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,” Charanchi added.
The coalition urged the NCC to suspend the tariff hike and instead implement a more modest adjustment of no more than 10%, balancing industry sustainability with the economic realities in Nigeria. It also called for inclusive consultations involving consumer advocacy groups, civil society organizations, and grassroots stakeholders before any further tariff changes.
In addition to rejecting the hike, the CNG demanded the resignation of the Minister of Communications and the NCC Executive Vice Chairman for prioritizing corporate and personal interests over the welfare of Nigerian citizens.
“The NCC and the Ministry leadership have proven to protect their personal interests and have become insensitive to the plight of Nigerians. Therefore, we call for the resignation or immediate dismissal of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC and the Minister of Communications,” Charanchi said.
The group also criticized telecom operators for years of inefficiencies, including failed calls, undelivered messages, and wasted data subscriptions, which it said go unpunished by the NCC.
“The federal government must recognize that any policy that worsens the economic hardship of the people is counterproductive and unsustainably dangerous to all as Nigerians are already being pushed to the extreme,” Charanchi warned.
The CNG called on Nigerians, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to resist the decision collectively, urging the federal government to adopt policies that promote industry growth without impoverishing citizens.
“The CNG will not relent in advocating for the rights and welfare of all Nigerians and will take every necessary step within the confines of the law to resist this unfair tariff raise,” the group concluded.
(The Authority)