CSO backs tariff increase, lists benefits
Barring any last-minute change of plan, the city of Abuja will, today, play host to student leaders, who are converging at the Head Office of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to engage in a high-level dialogue with the telecoms regulator on the recently announced 50 per cent tariff hike.

The two student bodies involved are the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPs).

But Concerned Citizens Forum (CCF) has expressed support for the tariff increase.

An impeccable source within NAPS revealed to The Guardian last night that outside possible dialogue, the students’ bodies wanted to see the possibility of exploring alternative cost-migration strategies within the telecommunications sector; reviewing policies to ensure equitable access to digital infrastructure and establishing a framework for broader consultation with stakeholders before implementing policies of such magnitude.

Confirming the development to The Guardian yesterday, the Director of Public Affairs, NCC, Reuben Muoka, said the student bodies wrote to NCC that they would be coming for a dialogue.

Muoka said NANS sent a letter about possible dialogue with NCC, which was granted.

About four days ago, NANS condemned the tariff hike and gave NCC 72 hours to reverse the approval.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Clerk of the Senate at NANS National Headquarters, Oladimeji Uthman, the association warned that the move would worsen the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, particularly students.

NANS gave the NCC and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy a 72-hour ultimatum to reverse the decision or face nationwide protests.

“This decision is not only abnormal but also highly inconsiderate and unjustifiable, especially in the current socio-economic climate,” the statement read.

CCF commended the NCC’s leadership for its commitment to ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

At a briefing in Abuja, the National President of CCF, Fabian Opialu, noted that the tariff adjustment was necessary to reflect the economic realities faced by telecom operators.

He explained that despite the significant increase in operating costs, Nigerian telecom rates had not increased since 2013.

The CCF president also commended the NCC for directing operators to offer affordable service plans tailored to different income levels, ensuring that telecommunications services remain accessible to all Nigerians.