SERAP Drags FG, NCC to Court Over Telecom Tariff Hike

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the recent 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs.

In the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is challenging the increase, describing it as unjust and a violation of Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information. The group is urging the court to compel the government to reverse the hike and ensure affordable telecommunications services for citizens.

According to SERAP, the tariff adjustment, which has increased the cost of calls, SMS, and data services, disproportionately affects low-income earners and violates their constitutional rights. The organization argued that the hike contradicts international obligations to ensure access to communication as a fundamental right.

The group is also seeking a declaration that the tariff increase is illegal and asking the court to order the NCC to provide details on how the hike was determined.

SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said, “The government has a legal obligation to ensure access to telecommunications services for all Nigerians without discrimination. This tariff hike is counterproductive and unjust.”

The NCC has yet to respond to the lawsuit, while the Federal Government has maintained that the increase was necessary to sustain telecom operations amidst rising costs. The case is expected to be heard in the coming weeks.