We will protect Nigerians from tariff hike – FCCPC assures

As public outrage over the proposed telecoms tariff hike persists, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has promised Nigerians that their interests will be prioritized above all else.

The commission stated that it is aiming to defend Nigerians’ interests, which is why it has urged that telephone tariff increases do not exceed 50%.

Following pressure from telecommunications corporations for a 100% price increase, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has allowed a 50% increase.

The NCC stated that the permission, which is half of what the telecoms requested, is due to the financial challenges that Nigerian homes and businesses face.

On Friday, during an interview, Tunji Bello, Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, stated that the Commission is committed to protecting Nigerians’ interests. He emphasised that the necessary tariff increase must not exceed 50%.

“Recently, you will notice that we signed an MoU with the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) that regulates that industry. Our own is to ensure that there are fair prices, there is efficiency and all those things,” Bello said.

“One of the terms of that MoU is the fact that it provides efficiency services to Nigerians, and our take on this is that we want to ensure that even if they increase their prices, how are consumers compensated when they are injured? How do they get the necessary efficiency in terms of receiving and dialling calls and so on?

“These are some of the things we are going to be monitoring because there is provision under the MoU that we are going to monitor that those things are provided. Where the consumer is dissatisfied, they have the responsibility to alert us, and we will take it up on their behalf.”

The proposed telecom pricing hike has sparked debate among work unions and civil society organizations. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had planned a rally for Tuesday but called it off after meeting with Federal Government representatives.

Following significant consideration, both the NLC and the FG agreed to form a 10-person committee with five members from each party to review and provide a report within two weeks.

Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has threatened to shut down if the Federal Government does not reverse its recent approval of a 50% rise in telephone tariffs.

The TUC slammed the proposed tariff increase, claiming that it is not only untimely but also an intentional act of economic tyranny against Nigerians.