Nigerians across the country, particularly in northern regions, are expressing deep frustration following the Nigerian Communications Commission's (NCC) recent approval of a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs, a decision that has sparked nationwide outrage amid existing economic challenges.

The price hike, implemented in January 2025, has dramatically affected millions of Nigerians who depend on mobile connectivity for their livelihoods, education, and daily activities. The cost of 1GB of data has jumped from approximately ₦300 to over ₦500, creating significant hardship in a country where more than 60 percent of the population already lives in multidimensional poverty.

"I use my phone to take orders and do mobile banking. Now I spend twice as much for half the access," said Zainab Idris, a single mother and food vendor in Kano. "We're being punished for being connected."

The impact extends to education, with students reporting difficulties in completing academic work. Fatima Yusuf, a final-year student at Bayero University, explained: "I'm working on my final project and rely heavily on online research. But since the price increased, I've had to cut down. Sometimes, I go days without internet. How are we supposed to learn like this?"

Telecom Operators Defend Price Increase

Telecom providers have justified the tariff increase by pointing to operational pressures, including inflation rates exceeding 33 percent, rising diesel costs, and foreign exchange instability. While operators initially requested a 100 percent tariff hike, the NCC settled on a 50 percent adjustment.

The NCC has defended the decision as "inevitable for service continuity" while suggesting possible relief packages for vulnerable users may be forthcoming.

Civil Society and Consumer Groups Push Back

The price increase has prompted legal and civic action. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the NCC and the Federal Government, describing the move as a violation of citizens' rights to information, education, and communication.

In March, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) organized protests across major cities, demanding the government reverse the decision. Digital rights activists have also raised concerns about the widening digital divide.

"The government should be promoting affordable access, not strangling it," said Fadhila Nurudeen, a digital rights activist based in Kano. "This hike widens the digital divide, especially between urban and rural populations."

Economic Ripple Effects

Small businesses in the telecom ecosystem are also feeling the impact. "People come to buy data and when they hear the new prices, they just walk away," said Hajara Isah, who runs a roadside airtime kiosk.

As Nigerians are forced to ration their internet use or revert to traditional communication methods, experts warn that access to data could become a luxury in Nigeria's increasingly unequal digital landscape.

The controversy highlights the delicate balance between ensuring the sustainability of telecom services and maintaining affordable access for citizens, particularly as more essential services—from education to commerce—move online.