The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, says it is committed to protecting the interests of Nigerians amid the controversial telecoms tariff increase.
DAILY POST reports that, following pressure from telecommunications companies for a 100 per cent tariff increase, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, recently approved a 50 per cent hike.
According to NCC, the approval—half of what the telcos demanded—recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses.
Reacting on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, the Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, said the Commission was determined to protect Nigerians’ interests. He acknowledged that the tariff increase had become necessary but insisted it should not exceed 50 per cent.
“Recently, you will notice that we signed an MoU with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which regulates that industry. Our role is to ensure fair pricing, efficiency, and other consumer protections.
“One of the terms of that MoU is to ensure efficiency in services provided to Nigerians. Our concern is that even if prices increase, how are consumers compensated when they suffer service failures? Are they receiving the necessary quality in terms of making and receiving calls?
“These are some of the things we will be monitoring because the MoU provides for such oversight. Where consumers are dissatisfied, they have the responsibility to alert us, and we will take it up on their behalf,” Bello said.
DAILY POST reports that the proposed telecom tariff increase has sparked protests among labour unions and civil society organisations.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, had scheduled a protest for Tuesday but suspended the action after discussions with representatives of the Federal Government.
Following extensive deliberations, both the NLC and the government agreed to set up a 10-member committee—comprising five representatives from each side—to review the issue and submit a report within two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, has threatened to down tools if the Federal Government does not rescind its approval of the 50 per cent tariff increase.
TUC condemned the proposed hike, calling it ill-timed and a deliberate act of economic oppression against Nigerians.