The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has lambasted the recent 40% increase in telecommunications tariffs, describing it as a deliberate attempt to curtail freedom of expression and stifle youth participation in governance. This tariff hike, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), affects phone calls, SMS, and data bundles, drawing widespread criticism amidst Nigeria’s escalating economic challenges.
HURIWA has accused the government of weaponizing economic hardship to suppress dissent and limit the civic engagement of Nigerian youths. Speaking on the matter, the association claimed the tariff increase was a strategic move to cripple the primary tools used by young Nigerians for activism, public discourse, and holding leaders accountable.
“This hike is not just insensitive; it is a calculated assault on democracy,” HURIWA declared in a strongly worded statement. “By making communication tools prohibitively expensive, the government is shrinking the civic space and silencing dissent.”
Economic Strain and Inflation Woes
The timing of the tariff increase has further fueled public outrage. With inflation hovering at a staggering 39.93%, Nigerians are already burdened by soaring costs of living. Many see the hike as a tone-deaf policy decision that prioritizes corporate profits over citizens’ welfare.
“While nations worldwide are subsidizing telecommunications to foster connectivity and economic growth, Nigeria is taking a regressive step,” HURIWA argued. The association compared Nigeria’s actions to those of countries like India, Kenya, and South Korea, where governments have introduced measures to make internet access more affordable.
Impact on Youth Engagement
HURIWA emphasized that affordable telecommunications are vital for the empowerment of Nigerian youths, who rely heavily on data and social media platforms to express their views and engage in governance. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp have played pivotal roles in mobilizing campaigns for social justice, holding leaders accountable, and advocating for systemic reforms.
“By raising telecom costs, the government is not only deepening the digital divide but also marginalizing millions of young Nigerians who depend on these services for education, entrepreneurship, and activism,” the group stated.
Social media has become an indispensable tool for civic engagement and grassroots mobilization in Nigeria. From the #EndSARS protests against police brutality to movements demanding electoral reforms, young Nigerians have leveraged digital platforms to amplify their voices and effect change. The tariff increase threatens to derail these efforts, HURIWA warned.
Economic Ramifications
The rights group also highlighted the broader economic implications of the tariff hike. Small businesses, startups, and digital entrepreneurs who depend on affordable data services face significant setbacks. This policy risks stifling innovation and undermining Nigeria’s growing digital economy, which contributed 16.36% to the nation’s GDP as of mid-2024.
“The tariff hike is a direct attack on Nigeria’s digital economy,” HURIWA asserted. “It’s a policy that punishes innovation and limits opportunities for millions of entrepreneurs.”
Global Best Practices Ignored
HURIWA decried the government’s approach, contrasting it with global best practices. In India, for instance, the government has implemented subsidies to reduce internet costs, fostering inclusive growth and enabling broader participation in governance. Kenya’s policies have similarly aimed at bridging the digital divide, while South Korea’s investment in digital infrastructure has empowered its citizens to thrive in the digital age.
“Nigeria appears more interested in enriching telecom operators than empowering its citizens,” HURIWA remarked.
Call for Reversal
The association urged the Nigerian government and the NCC to reconsider their decision and reverse the tariff hike immediately. It also called for subsidies on data and telecom services, particularly for students and low-income households.
“Access to communication is a fundamental right in today’s digital age. The government must prioritize the welfare of its citizens over the profits of telecom companies,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA also appealed to civil society groups, international organizations, and tech companies to champion policies that ensure affordable internet access for Nigerians. The group urged telecom operators to consider the socio-economic realities of their customers and embrace corporate social responsibility by maintaining reasonable pricing.
Empowering the Youth
HURIWA concluded by emphasizing the need for digital inclusion as a cornerstone of national development. “The youth are not the enemy,” the group asserted. “They are the future of Nigeria. Their voices must be amplified, not silenced.”
The association called on the government to invest in programs that empower young Nigerians to participate in governance and contribute to nation-building. It also warned that failing to address the public’s grievances over the tariff hike could lead to widespread discontent.
