The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over a recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs. The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja (FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025), challenges the legality and fairness of the price hike.
Details of the Tariff Hike
The NCC’s decision resulted in significant price increases for telecom services. Specifically, the cost of calls increased to ₦16.5 per minute from ₦11, 1GB of data rose to ₦431.25 from ₦287.5, and SMS prices jumped to ₦6 from ₦4. These increases are central to SERAP’s legal challenge.
SERAP’s Arguments and Demands
SERAP argues that the NCC’s unilateral decision to authorize the tariff hike is arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, unfair, unreasonable, and infringes on citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information. The organization contends that the NCC failed to adhere to due process and violated legal and constitutional provisions, as well as international standards, regarding these fundamental rights.
SERAP’s legal demands include:
- A declaration that the NCC’s decision is unconstitutional and unlawful.
An interim injunction restraining the NCC from further implementing the tariff increase. - The suit emphasizes the NCC’s obligation to act fairly and reasonably when exercising its powers, basing its decisions on reasonable interpretations of its enabling statutes and guidelines, and adhering to due process. It highlights the importance of consumers’ rights and the fundamental right to freedom of expression and access to information in the context of telecom services.
Legal Representation and Next Steps
The suit was filed by SERAP’s lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN. The case will now proceed through the Federal High Court, with SERAP seeking a judicial review of the NCC’s decision and a potential reversal of the tariff hike.
Conclusion
SERAP’s lawsuit represents a significant challenge to the recent telecom tariff increase in Nigeria. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the balance between regulatory authority, consumer rights, and fundamental freedoms in the country’s telecommunications sector. The court’s decision will determine whether the NCC acted within its legal authority and respected citizens’ constitutional rights when implementing this significant price increase.
