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Nigeria’s Telecom Regulator Ready To Engage Subscribers, Others over mounting protest against tariff hike

. ..appeals to NLC, NATCOMS, SERAP, others to approach issue with understanding

By Brandxposure

Nigeria’s telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has expressed willingness to engage and explain details of its recent 50 percent tariff adjustment for the telecom operators in the country, to any group or persons who feel uncomfortable with the decision.

The commission was responding to the threat by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC to stage a nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, against the decision.

Besides the planned protest by the NLC, the National Association of Telecom Subscribers, NATCOMS has also threatened to go to court, alleging that the commission ignored its letter of appeal requesting the reduction of the hike.

NATCOMS however, distanced itself from the NLC protest, saying it would be counterproductive and would send wrong signals to foreign investors who are highly needed in the sector. A top NCC official who spoke to Brandxposure said the Commission did wider consultation among subscribers, operators and other industry stakeholders before making the approval, and has been engaging those who have approached it for clearer explanations. He disclosed that although he was not aware the Commission had received any letter from the NLC or NATCOMS seeking clarifications or reasons for the adjustment, efforts were still in top gear to vigorously engage and explain reasons to everybody or group that is not comfortable with the price adjustment.

The official said: “Most of the protests against the price adjustment, including court actions and threats of it are basically out of ignorance. Most people do not understand the grave implications of what they are calling for. If they would give the commission the listening ears, they would understand we acted to save the sector and the entire economy.
” When the Nigerian Association of Nigerian Students, NANs wrote us, we invited them for a meeting and by the time we explained the processes and procedures, including the grave implications, if we didn’t do what we did; they clearly understood. “I believe every other group that would allow dialogue will also see reasons. We are going to engage everybody, even those who are said to have gone to court already. To safeguard the economy should be more important to all than pandering to sentiments” he added.

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