The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over a contentious 50% telecom tariff increase.
The tariff hike raised the cost of a one-minute call from ₦11 to ₦16.50, 1GB of data from ₦287.50 to ₦431.25, and SMS charges from ₦4 to ₦6, prompting widespread criticism.
Filed at the High Court in Abuja (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025), SERAP argues that the increase is arbitrary, unconstitutional, and infringes on citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
SERAP contends the decision violates the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and international human rights standards while failing to consult key stakeholders.
The group seeks a court injunction to halt the tariff increase and demands its nullification, describing it as “extortive, unreasonable, and a breach of due process.”
The tariff hike coincides with Nigeria’s economic struggles, where 133 million citizens face multidimensional poverty, exacerbated by rising costs of living and essential services.
Subscriber groups have issued an ultimatum to the NCC, demanding the tariff increase be reduced to 10% by January 29, 2025.
