SERAP Seeks Legal Intervention to Halt 50% Telecom Tariff Increase
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken a bold step by filing a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to challenge the recent approval of a 50 percent hike in telecom tariffs. This move comes in response to concerns about the arbitrary nature of the increase, which will significantly impact the cost of communication for citizens across the country.
Unpacking the Legal Battle
In the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking clarity on whether the NCC’s decision to authorize telcos to raise telecom tariffs by 50 percent is in violation of citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information. The organization argues that this unilateral decision by the NCC is not only unfair and unreasonable but also unconstitutional.
The Fight for Consumer Rights
With the average price of calls set to increase from N11 to N16.5 per minute and data costs rising from N287.5/GB to N431.25, the impact on consumers is undeniable. SERAP’s legal challenge aims to protect the rights of Nigerian citizens to affordable and accessible communication services, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in regulatory decisions that directly affect the public.
Legal Expert Weighs In
Renowned lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, representing SERAP in this case, emphasizes the necessity for the NCC to adhere to legal and constitutional provisions as well as international standards on freedom of expression and access to information. Adegboruwa asserts that fairness and reasonableness should guide the NCC’s exercise of authority when it comes to approving tariff increases, underscoring the importance of due process in such decisions.
Implications for Telecom Consumers
As this legal battle unfolds, the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for telecom consumers in Nigeria. The fight for fair and reasonable tariffs is not just a matter of economics but also a fundamental issue of rights and access. SERAP’s petition serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to uphold consumer rights and ensure that regulatory bodies act in the best interests of the public.
