By Dele Ogbodo
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has vehemently expressed its strong opposition the moves by telecommunications operators and its association bent on upward review or a hike tariff in the sector.
According to the rights body, any increase in tariff in the present economic atmosphere especially as being pressured by the telecommunications operators and association will further erode freedom of expression Nigerians and limit youth participation in governance.
While the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied any plans of increase or hike in the sector, the Commission added that the absence of a Governing Board that will give approve to such a critical decision has not been constituted by government.
The Commission, therefore denied reports that it is going ahead to hike the present tariff.
In stories that making the rounds, CEOs of network operators Mobile Network Operators agitating for 100% tariff hike, on the grounds that the sector will grind to halt and remain unsustainable because of the cost of their operations in 2025.
In a statement, made available to the media which was signed by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Mr. Emmanuel Onwubiko, acknowledged that tariff hike increase would virtually affect all the services rendered by the operators.
According to Onwubiko, the country’s inflation is presently tipping to 39.93%, stressing that users were already overburdened economic hardships.
The body warned that any decision to hike the tariff as not only sensitive but a direct assault to the country’s expanding and inclusive expanded civic space.
Therefore, the National Coordinator asserts that any attempt to hike the present tariff will stifle the voices of young Nigerians, who rely on affordable telecommunications to engage in public discourse and hold leaders accountable.
The statement added: “While governments in progressive nations are subsiding telecommunications to enhance connectivity and civic engagements, Nigeria is taking a regressive step by imposing heavy financial burdens on its citizens, particularly the youths.” HURIWA said.
Affordable telecommunications, the Onwubiko, added was essential for youths to express themselves, participate in governance and access educational and entrepreneurial opportunities.
While underscoring the overarching importance of telecommunication to national development, HURIWA lamented that the tariff increase would significantly curtail the use of social media, a vital tool for civic engagement, accountability and grassroot mobilization.
