The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against President Bola Tinubu concerning the purportedly “arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, unfair, and unreasonable” 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs imposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Included as defendants in the lawsuit are the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which recently sanctioned a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs.
We understand that the upcoming changes in communication costs will come as a burden for many. The average cost of calls will increase from ₦11.00 to ₦16.50 per minute; the price for 1GB of data is projected to rise from ₦287.50 to ₦431.25. Additionally, SMS charges will also see an increase, going from ₦4.00 to ₦6.00. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate these changes together.
The lawsuit, designated case number FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025, was submitted last Friday to the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is urging the court to assess whether the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) unilateral decision to permit telecommunications companies to increase their tariffs by 50 percent is arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, unjust, unreasonable, and inconsistent with citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
READ ALSO: Nigerians to Sue Government Over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike
SERAP is additionally requesting that the court declare the NCC’s unilateral decision to permit telecommunications companies to raise their tariffs by 50 percent as arbitrary, unfair, unreasonable, and inconsistent with citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information. Consequently, SERAP argues that this decision is both unconstitutional and unlawful.
SERAP has submitted a request for an interim injunction to prevent the NCC, along with its officers, agents, representatives, and any individuals acting on its behalf, from continuing to implement, enforce, or take any actions related to the decision that authorizes a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs.
In its lawsuit, SERAP argues that legal and constitutional provisions, along with international standards regarding freedom of expression and access to information, form the foundation of lawful governance. The organization contends that these legal requirements limit the statutory powers of the NCC, restricting its ability to authorize any increase in telecom tariffs.
The lawsuit filed on behalf of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by its attorney, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, clearly outlines the obligations of fairness and reasonableness imposed on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regarding its authority to approve a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs, which is the core issue of this case.
The NCC is mandated to adhere to legal provisions pertaining to consumer rights, as well as constitutional and international standards relating to freedom of expression and access to information. This entails that the NCC must ground its decisions in sound interpretations of its governing statutes, guidelines, and other pertinent legal frameworks, while also ensuring that it follows due process throughout its decision-making process.
JUST IN: SERAP sues FG,NCC over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike.
