The Collective Movement on Saturday decried the Federal Government’s planned telecom tariff increase, saying it would further pauperise the people and hinder security operations toward crime prevention.

TCM, a pressure group with focus on public policy and welfare, disclosed this in Lagos at a virtual session of its national leaders, held to appraise the planned tariff hike and its bearing on the nation’s socio-economic situation.

In response to agitations by operators in the telecommunications sector, the FG said that it would increase call and data tariffs.

Speaking at the session, the TCM National Coordinator, Collins Young, said that “reliable and affordable telecom services are crucial for national security. A tariff hike will compromise the ability of security agencies to communicate and respond effectively to threats. The hike will further pauperise the people, make Nigeria’s telecom services less competitive, driving away businesses and investors to neighbouring countries.”

The coordinator urged the government to develop a conscience for its citizens to encourage patriotism.

Also speaking at the session, TCM Media Director, Edwin Nwachukwu, appealed to the federal government to reconsider the increase in tariff in the public’s interest.

According to him, Nigerians are already facing economic challenges and any tariff increase will further burden citizens, especially low-income earners.

He said, “Telecom services play an important role in connecting people, facilitating education and providing access to essential services. A tariff hike may have negative social implications, particularly on the vulnerable population and contribute to inflation. It will have a negative bearing on the Small and Medium Enterprises which rely on telecom services. It will increase operational costs, and reduce productivity and competitiveness.’’

Mr Nwachukwu noted that increased tariffs would widen the digital divide, as marginalised communities might struggle to afford telecom services, thereby exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities.

He urged the Nigeria Communications Commission to prioritise consumer protection and ensure that telecom operators did not exploit subscribers with excessive charges.

Nigerians in recent times continued to express concern over increasing cost of utilities.

(NAN)