Tariff Hike: CRIL Advises FG, Telecom Companies, Nigerians

The Centre For Righteous Living (CRIL), a faith-based organisation, has advised Nigerians and other stakeholders on the plans to increase tariffs in the telecoms sector.

Recently, Nigeria’s telecoms companies have proposed a 50% increase in their tariff rates.

The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), has tacitly approved a 50% tariff hike, which has pitched the Nigeria Labour Movements and other stakeholders against the FG and the NCC.

CRIL, coming up with a release after the death and burial of its Founder, Rev. Solomon Adegbolagun, noted that it was true that Nigeria has experienced strong inflationary trends over the years, “that almost all Nigerians, human and materials resources have been affected, leaving hapless Nigerians struggling for survival.”

CRIL, in the release signed by Dr. Christopher Olatunji Abolade, Chairman of its Caretaker Committee, advised that “rather than insisting on 50% increase, the telecommunications companies can help to reduce the rates to make sure that more Nigerians make use of their services to generate more income for the sector, and Nigeria at large.”

It appealed to the Civil Society bodies to allow proper negotiation to arrive at a middle level that would benefit both parties and all the stakeholders.

The group also called on the Federal Government to live up to its responsibilities by ensuring that necessary infrastructures are made available, with stable naira exchange, and a conducive enabling environment for the telecommunications to thrive.

CRIL also called on the telcos to improve on their services to meet the needs of the consumers, noting that if they improved on their services, Nigerians would not bother to pay reasonable prices.

“We cannot deny the fact that the telecommunication companies also deserve the right to survive as telecommunications have become an essential part of our daily living and business life as Nigerians over the years,” the group explained, even as it called on all stakeholders “to ensure that there is a balance of consideration between the interests of the consumers and operators alike, so as to ensure a peaceful and stable economy, now and in the future.”