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) over the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs.
SERAP argued that the increase, which raises call rates to ₦16.5 per minute (from ₦11), 1GB of data to ₦431.25 (from ₦287.5), and SMS charges to ₦6 (from ₦4), is “arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, unfair, and unreasonable.”
Filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025, SERAP is challenging the NCC’s decision, describing it as a breach of citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information under Nigerian and international laws.
Naturenex reports that SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized that the tariff hike is a violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, the Nigerian Constitution, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee equal access to communication services.
SERAP’s Demands
SERAP is seeking the following reliefs from the court:
1. A Declaration that the NCC’s unilateral decision to approve the 50% telecom tariff hike is unconstitutional, arbitrary, and unfair, violating Nigerians’ rights to free expression and access to information.
2. An Order setting aside the NCC’s approval of the tariff hike announced on January 20, 2025.
3. An Injunction restraining the NCC and telecom companies from implementing or enforcing the tariff hike.
4. Further Orders as deemed necessary by the court.
Concerns Highlighted by SERAP
In its suit, SERAP outlined the economic challenges facing Nigerians, including:
High Poverty Levels: With 133 million Nigerians classified as multi-dimensionally poor, many lack access to basic services like clean energy.
Cost of Living Crisis: Rising inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and increasing food prices have exacerbated the financial burden on citizens.
Procedural Breaches: SERAP alleged that the NCC failed to consult key stakeholders, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, before implementing the hike.
SERAP argued that the tariff increase disproportionately affects economically vulnerable Nigerians and undermines equal access to communication services.
Naturenex gathered that no date has been set for the hearing of the interim application and the substantive suit.
