The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), challenging the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs.
The organization has described the move as arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, unfair, and unreasonable.
The NCC recently approved the hike, raising the cost of a one-minute call from ₦11 to ₦16.5, the price of 1GB of data from ₦287.5 to ₦431.25, and SMS charges from ₦4 to ₦6. The increase has drawn widespread criticism from Nigerians, with SERAP leading the legal challenge.
In its suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025), SERAP argues that the tariff hike infringes on citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information, rights protected under the Nigerian Constitution and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
The group claims the NCC’s decision violates the principle of legality, which mandates fairness, reasonableness, and adherence to due process in exercising statutory powers.
In a statement titled, “SERAP wants court to stop Tinubu govt, telcos from implementing 50% telecom tariff hike,” the organization criticized the NCC for failing to consult key stakeholders, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
According to SERAP’s lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, the tariff hike contravenes the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 and international human rights standards. He described the NCC’s actions as arbitrary and unfair.
SERAP expressed further concerns about the timing of the increase, noting that it comes amidst worsening economic challenges in Nigeria.
A recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. Many households are struggling to afford basic necessities, with over half of the population relying on wood, dung, or charcoal for cooking.
According to SERAP, the tariff hike adds to the financial burdens of Nigerians, who are already grappling with rising living costs due to the removal of the fuel subsidy, increasing electricity tariffs, and soaring food prices.
SERAP maintains that access to affordable telecommunication services is essential for Nigerians, especially those living in poverty.
In its legal prayers, SERAP is seeking a court declaration that the tariff hike violates constitutional provisions and international human rights treaties.
It is also requesting an injunction to halt the implementation of the tariff increase and an order to nullify the NCC’s decision, which the group described as extortive and unreasonable.
Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s Deputy Director, emphasized the importance of communication as a fundamental right, not a luxury.
He stated that the government and the NCC have a duty to ensure that telecommunication services remain affordable for Nigerians.
Meanwhile, subscriber groups have issued an ultimatum to the NCC, demanding the reversal of the 50% tariff hike to a 10% increase by Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
The case, which has yet to receive a hearing date, could have significant implications for telecom regulation and access to affordable communication services in Nigeria.