The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Teams (CHRMG) has faulted the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC) deliberate protest in opposition to the 50 per cent telecom tariff enhance, describing it as “misguided and never within the public curiosity.”
The CSOs mentioned the tariff hike, accredited by the Nigerian Communications Fee (NCC), is a mandatory measure to forestall the telecom sector from collapsing.
The labour leaders had final week demanded a right away suspension of the 50 per cent tariff hike, declaring a nationwide protest slated for February 4 if their demand was not met.
However the coalition, led by Gabriel Agabi, in an announcement on Monday, argued that with the present inflation charge at 34.8 per cent, an almost 300 per cent enhance from 8.5 per cent in 2013, the tariff adjustment is important to replicate financial realities.
Agabi mentioned the NCC’s determination was made in good religion, taking into consideration ongoing business reforms that can positively affect sustainability.
He added that the tariff hike can also be essential in guaranteeing that Nigeria’s telecom sector stays aggressive with worldwide requirements.
“The final telecom tariff enhance was in 2013 when Nigeria’s inflation charge was 8.5 per cent. Nevertheless, with the present inflation charge at 34.8 per cent, an almost 300 per cent enhance, the tariff adjustment is important to replicate financial realities,” Agabi mentioned.
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“The NCC’s determination was made in good religion, taking into consideration ongoing business reforms that can positively affect sustainability. The rise will stay throughout the tariff bands stipulated within the 2013 NCC Price Research, guaranteeing that it doesn’t unduly burden shoppers.
“The tariff hike can also be essential in guaranteeing that Nigeria’s telecom sector stays aggressive with worldwide requirements. In comparison with different international locations, Nigeria’s telecom tariffs are comparatively low.
“For example, in South Africa, the common value of 1GB of knowledge is round ₦1,200, whereas in Ghana, it’s round ₦1,500. In Nigeria, the common value of 1GB of knowledge is round ₦500. The tariff hike will assist to bridge this hole and be sure that telecom operators can put money into infrastructure and supply high quality companies to shoppers.
“The tariff hike can also be important for the Nigerian authorities’s digital financial system agenda, which goals to leverage know-how to drive financial development and improvement.
“With elevated income from tariffs, telecom operators will be capable to put money into increasing their networks, enhancing web speeds, and creating new digital companies, in the end supporting the federal government’s efforts to create a extra digital and related society.”
The coalition counseled President Tinubu’s administration for its efforts to reform the telecom sector, guaranteeing its sustainability and development.
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Agabi mentioned the President’s dedication to making a conducive enterprise setting is laudable, and the coalition believes that this tariff adjustment is a step in the appropriate course.
He urged the NLC to rethink its stance and interact in constructive dialogue with the NCC and different stakeholders.
“We warn the NLC that its actions could have unintended penalties, together with harming the very folks it claims to symbolize,” Dr. Agabi mentioned.
“We urge the NLC to prioritise the pursuits of Nigerian staff and residents by supporting insurance policies that promote financial development and improvement.”
The coalition urged Nigerians to look past the short-term pains of the tariff hike and take into account the long-term advantages it’s going to deliver to the telecom sector and the financial system as an entire.
In keeping with Agabi, a stronger and extra sustainable telecom sector will create jobs, stimulate financial development, and enhance the general high quality of life for Nigerians.
