Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) demanded a tariff increase of up to 100% in the first half of January . The Federal Government, speaking through the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has said it may not agree to the 100% request of the MNOs.
Nonetheless, as it made clear, there will be increments in the telecommunication tariffs.
This shows a gross disregard for the plight of Nigeria’s poor working people, who are barely surviving the impact of a series of hikes throughout the year 2024, such as on fuel pump price and electricity supply. It also reflects the government’s rededication to protecting the interests of the capitalist class at the expense of working people in the country.
The proposed hike in telecommunication tariffs will further shrink the already lean pockets of the working people. Meanwhile, it will funnel billions more into the already overflowing coffers of the MNOs’ bosses. Just as the removal of the fuel subsidy enriches a few oil marketers, and the hike in electricity tariffs enriches the billionaires who own the DISCOs, while the poor masses continue to wallow in increasing hardship.
To put things in perspective, we have to situate the proposed telecommunication tariffs in the context of recent hikes in fuel prices, food prices, electricity tariffs, and school fees. Firstly, they share similarities in that they represent continuous anti-people policies, placing an increasing economic burden on the working class. Similarly they are all from the same IMF’s playbook for undermining and imposing measures detrimental to the working class.
It must be pointed out that there is significant infrastructure deficit and connectivity challenges, particularly in rural areas. As of 2022, only about 12% of Nigeria’s population had adequate internet access. The current cost of data and voice services make them unaffordable for the vast majority of Nigerians already. Instead of making life and connectivity harder for the people , a sensitive government should be talking about improving telecommunication, making it more accessible and affordable for the Nigeria masses.
It is thus clear that the ruling class , particularly its section now holding the reins of state, is not interested in making life easier for the poor working people. Instead, it is set to increase hardship for us, while continuing pro-rich people’s policies. It is therefore a task for Nigeria’s working people to reject the hike in telecommunication tariffs as much as we must organise to fight for a system that puts the people first and above the profits of a few bosses.
by Lai BROWN
