Reps, NLC Demands FG to Halt Telecom Tariff Hike Amid Poor Network Service

ABUJA—House of Representatives and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have taken drastic measures to counteract the 50% tariff hike by telecommunication companies. These actions, aimed at safeguarding consumers and ensuring service improvements, come as subscribers increasingly switch network providers amid rising costs and widespread frustration.

At plenary on Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a motion urging the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to suspend any further hikes in telecommunications tariffs until there is demonstrable improvement in network services. The motion, spearheaded by the lawmaker representing the Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma federal constituency of Bayelsa State, Obuku Oforji, stressed that Nigerians should not bear the burden of rising data and SMS costs when service quality remains subpar.

“The National Association of Telecom Subscribers has already rejected the proposed increase, describing it as insensitive and a further burden on consumers who are already grappling with economic hardship and poor network service delivery,” Obuku Oforji stated during the session. He warned that the proposed tariff hike would deepen financial struggles for average Nigerians and exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities, particularly affecting low-income families.

The impending tariff adjustments by telecom giants have sparked significant public discontent. Reports indicate that MTN Nigeria recently implemented a sharp increase in data and SMS rates, with the cost of the 15GB data plan soaring from N4,500 to N6,500 and larger plans experiencing similar steep hikes. Amid this, social media platforms have become a battleground of opinions, with users decrying the move as exploitative. One frustrated subscriber remarked on Twitter, “MTN’s price hikes are making it almost impossible to afford basic internet access when we’re already paying a high price for poor service.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress has also condemned the 50% tariff hike, calling for its immediate reversal. In a press release issued on the NLC announced that if the tariff increase is not rescinded by February 29, 2025, it would commence a nationwide shutdown of telecom services by March 1. The NLC’s communique, signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, accused the telecom companies of betraying public trust and disregarding due process by implementing the hike prematurely, even though an agreement with the Federal Government and the NCC was reportedly in place for further review.

“Our electric bike will crash the price of goods and fight climate change,” one social media post quipped, reflecting the creative resistance among Nigerians. However, behind the humor lies a serious message: the NLC is mobilizing its members and urging all Nigerians to boycott services provided by major operators, including MTN, Airtel, and Globacom. According to the communique, NLC workers and affiliated unions have been directed to boycott these services daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM until the tariff hike is reversed. In addition, consumers are advised to suspend data purchases from these companies and spread the word through various NLC state councils.

The NLC’s statement emphasized that the price hike was implemented without adequate consultation and is a direct threat to Nigeria’s broader economic revival efforts. “Telecom operators claim that the hike is necessary to cover rising costs and to improve network infrastructure, but this move only further burdens consumers, undermining the country’s vision of leveraging digital technology for economic growth,” the communique read. The NLC also reviewed recent Tax Reform Bills, warning that policies which further burden Nigerian workers must be opposed and replaced with fair, worker-friendly tax reforms.

The House and NLC actions reflect a growing trend among Nigerians demanding greater accountability and consumer protection in an increasingly expensive digital era. While the House motion calls on regulatory authorities to halt tariff increases until service quality improves, the NLC is taking a more militant stand by threatening a shutdown of telecom services—a move that could have far-reaching implications for the industry if implemented.

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Dr. Bosun Tijani and the NCC are yet to issue formal responses to these demands. However, industry analysts predict that the twin interventions will force telecom companies to revisit their pricing strategies and possibly invest more in network upgrades to justify any tariff adjustments. “These actions are a wake-up call for the industry,” noted one senior telecommunications expert. “If service quality does not improve, the government and consumer groups will continue to push back against price hikes, potentially leading to a more competitive market that prioritizes affordability.”

As Nigeria navigates these turbulent times, both the legislative and labor arms of government are united in their call for transparency, improved service delivery, and fair pricing in the telecom sector. With millions of Nigerians reliant on these services for education, business, and daily communications, the outcome of this debate will likely shape the future of digital access and economic growth across the country.

For now, the House of Representatives and the Nigeria Labour Congress have made their positions clear: until telecom operators demonstrate tangible improvements in service quality and consumer satisfaction, any attempts to increase tariffs will face stiff resistance from all quarters.