SERAP Sues Tinubu Government Over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the administration of President Bola Tinubu, challenging the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)‘s recent decision to approve a 50% increase in telecom tariffs. The NCC is named as a defendant in the suit.
The tariff hike, announced earlier this month, raises the cost of calls from ₦11 to ₦16.5 per minute, 1GB of data from ₦287.5 to ₦431.25, and SMS charges from ₦4 to ₦6.
In the suit numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025 and filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja last Friday, SERAP described the increase as “arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, unfair, and unreasonable.”
Key Arguments in SERAP’s Case
SERAP is asking the court to determine whether the NCC’s unilateral decision to authorize the 50% tariff hike violates citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information, as enshrined in constitutional and international legal frameworks.
Specifically, SERAP seeks:
- A declaration that the NCC’s decision is arbitrary, unfair, and inconsistent with citizens’ rights, making it unconstitutional and unlawful.
- An interim injunction restraining the NCC, its agents, and telecommunication companies from further implementing the tariff hike.
- An order prohibiting the enforcement of the decision until the suit is resolved.
Legal Basis
Filed on behalf of SERAP by lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, the suit argues that:
- The NCC’s decision disregards constitutional, statutory, and international standards requiring fairness, reasonableness, and legality in such actions.
- The freedom of expression and access to information, as guaranteed under Nigerian and international law, constrain the NCC from authorizing tariff hikes without adherence to due process and consumer protection standards.
- The NCC’s actions fail to reflect a proper interpretation of its enabling statutes, guidelines, and other legal frameworks governing the rights of consumers.
Reliefs Sought
Among other demands, SERAP is urging the court to restrain the NCC, its officers, and all telecommunications companies in Nigeria from enforcing the tariff hike announced on January 20, 2025.
Current Status
No date has been set for the hearing of SERAP’s interim application or the substantive suit.
This case has sparked widespread public interest, with many Nigerians voicing concerns over the affordability of telecommunications services and the broader economic impact of the tariff increase.
