- The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has chosen to distance itself from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)’s planned protest against the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs.
- The tariff adjustment, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has ignited heated debates on its impact on the Nigerian populace.
- While the NLC is rallying for nationwide demonstrations to compel a reversal of the hike, NATCOMS believes protests are not the right approach. Instead, the association advocates for legal measures to address the matter, citing the need to adhere to regulatory processes.
NATCOMS, which represents telecom subscribers across the country, argues that the complexities of the tariff increase require thoughtful, legal resolution rather than street demonstrations.
According to its leadership, protests may not yield the desired outcome and could disrupt national peace, Nairametrics reported.
“We understand the frustration of subscribers, but a protest will not address the deeper issues within the telecom industry,” NATCOMS President Deolu Ogunbanjo explained. “Legal action provides a more structured avenue to hold stakeholders accountable and seek redress for consumers.”
The NLC, however, remains firm in its opposition to the tariff adjustment, describing it as insensitive and burdensome for Nigerians already struggling with the rising cost of living.
The labour union has called on the NCC to reverse the decision, arguing that it will disproportionately impact low-income earners.
“This hike is a slap in the face of struggling Nigerians,” said NLC President Joe Ajaero. “The telecom operators and the NCC must understand that we will not sit back and watch them exploit citizens under the guise of business sustainability.”
The disagreement between NATCOMS and the NLC reflects a broader dilemma in the telecom industry: balancing consumer affordability with the financial viability of service providers. Telecom operators argue that tariff adjustments are necessary to cover rising operational costs, including inflation and forex fluctuations.
Analysts believe resolving the issue requires dialogue among all stakeholders, including regulators, operators, and consumer representatives. Some experts also believe that Nigerian telcos could pivot to B2B services to stay afloat.
The debate also highlights the importance of strengthening consumer protection mechanisms within Nigeria’s telecom sector.
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The Nigerian public remains caught in the middle as NATCOMS and the NLC pursue different strategies to address the telecom tariff hike. While protests may amplify public discontent, NATCOMS’ call for legal action could set a precedent for resolving future disputes within regulatory frameworks.
This unfolding situation underscores the need for a collaborative approach to balance the interests of consumers and industry stakeholders.