The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), will meet with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) today to demand a reduction of the recently approved 50% telecom tariff hike to 10%. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has signaled possible protests if the decision isn’t reversed.
The tariff increase was introduced in a bid to support the telecom sector, which contributes 14% to Nigeria’s economy. However, it has sparked outrage from various groups, including the NLC, which criticized it as an added financial strain on already struggling citizens.
NATCOMS President, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, opposed NLC’s call for boycotting telecom services, warning it could discourage investors. Instead, the association is prepared to take legal action if today’s talks fail.
The NLC, however, is advocating peaceful protests, with Lagos NLC Chair, Sessi Funmi, hinting at potential strikes or occupations of telecom offices.
Students, under the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), have also condemned the hike, issuing a 72-hour ultimatum for a reversal and warning of nationwide protests if their demands aren’t met.
The association emphasized that affordable internet access is essential for closing the educational gap in Nigeria. It warned that the tariff hike could exclude millions of students from accessing quality education, thereby widening the digital divide.