50% Telecom Tariff Hike: Tinubu Administration Faces Backlash
The recent 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs by the Nigerian government has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over the rising cost of living under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has been particularly vocal, describing the current government as a “government from hell” bent on worsening the plight of ordinary citizens.
Public Outcry Against the Tariff Increase
The Federal Government’s decision to approve a significant hike in telecom tariffs has drawn sharp criticism from consumer groups, activists, and the general public. The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has vowed to challenge the decision in court, labeling it as an unjust burden on Nigerians who are already grappling with inflation, high fuel prices, and a depreciating currency.
This tariff hike marks the first increase since 2013, a move the government justifies as necessary to sustain the operations of telecommunications companies amidst rising operational costs. However, critics argue that the timing is insensitive, given the current economic challenges facing millions of Nigerians.
Deji Adeyanju’s Reaction
Deji Adeyanju, known for his candid critiques of government policies, did not mince words in his condemnation of the tariff increase. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Adeyanju accused the Tinubu administration of deliberately exacerbating the suffering of Nigerians.
“They just increased tariffs for all phone calls in the country. The government has vowed that it must finish off Nigerians with suffering. A government from hell,” Adeyanju wrote.
He also warned against defending the administration’s policies, adding, “This year I have zero tolerance for bullshit. If you come to my timeline to defend rubbish, I will block you. You can’t be praising a government that is destroying the lives of Nigerians and the economy daily and defending oppressors.”
Economic Realities and Rising Costs
The telecom tariff hike comes amid widespread economic hardship, including the removal of fuel subsidies, a surge in inflation, and increasing unemployment. Many Nigerians view these developments as evidence of poor policy decisions that disproportionately affect the masses while benefiting a privileged few.
The government’s rationale for the tariff increase has done little to assuage public anger. Telecommunications companies, which have been lobbying for tariff adjustments, cite escalating costs of diesel, foreign exchange shortages, and infrastructure maintenance as reasons for the increase. Nonetheless, consumers argue that these challenges should not translate into exorbitant price hikes for essential services.
Legal and Social Implications
The decision to raise telecom tariffs has set the stage for potential legal battles, with NATCOMS and other consumer advocacy groups gearing up to challenge the government in court. If successful, these legal actions could force the government to reconsider the policy or provide alternative relief measures for struggling citizens.
Furthermore, the tariff hike raises broader questions about governance, accountability, and the government’s priorities. Critics argue that instead of alleviating poverty and creating economic opportunities, the Tinubu administration is imposing policies that deepen hardship for the average Nigerian.
The 50% increase in telecom tariffs is the latest in a series of policy decisions that have drawn widespread criticism of the Tinubu administration. While the government and telecom operators justify the hike as a necessity for sustaining operations, Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of the rising costs.
As public outrage grows and legal challenges loom, the government must carefully consider its approach to economic reforms. Policies that exacerbate hardship without tangible benefits risk alienating the very people they are meant to serve, further eroding trust in leadership and governance.
Reference
50% Telecom Tariff Hike: Tinubu Administration Faces Backlash