HURIWA condemns FG’s 50% telecom tariff hike, decries attack on freedom of expression

BY EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has kicked against the federal government’s decision to authorize a 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs, describing it as an illegal, unconstitutional, and oppressive policy that undermines Nigerians’ fundamental rights and freedoms. 

The organization accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of further impoverishing citizens through a policy that stifles freedom of expression and access to essential communication services.

This was made known through a statement made available to newsmen by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko. 

HURIWA expressed outrage that the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, granted approval for such a steep increase, labeling it a “toxic and wicked authorization” that fails to consider the dire economic realities faced by millions of Nigerians. According to the group, this tariff hike, set to take effect in February 2025, is among the highest globally and represents a direct attack on young and old Nigerians alike.

“It is becoming clearer by the day that this administration is systematically suppressing the rights of Nigerians,” HURIWA stated. “The 50% hike in telecom tariffs is not just an economic assault; it is a calculated attempt to muscle freedom of expression and silence the voices of young Nigerians who rely on affordable internet and communication services to participate in the national discourse.”

HURIWA called on members of the civil society community to rise from their slumber and resist this policy. “We urge civil society groups and well-meaning Nigerians to organize peaceful demonstrations to register their disagreement with this oppressive hike. It is an attack on the fundamental human rights of citizens, and silence in the face of this injustice is not an option.”

The organization revealed that it is already in discussions with its partners to stage peaceful protests, as permitted by the Nigerian Constitution. “If this tariff hike is allowed to stand, it effectively marks the end of freedom of expression as we know it. Social media and other digital platforms, which are critical tools for advocacy, education, and civic engagement, will become inaccessible to millions,” HURIWA warned.

HURIWA accused the federal government of continuing a pattern of actions aimed at suppressing freedom of expression, beginning with the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. “The APC government has always sought ways to curtail the voices of young people and limit their presence on social media. This 50% hike is an indirect way of achieving that sinister goal,” the group said.

It noted that the high cost of data, which is crucial for social media access, disproportionately affects unemployed and underprivileged Nigerians, effectively cutting them off from the digital world. “This policy is a direct attack on young people and their constitutional rights. It also threatens older Nigerians who rely on telecommunication services for critical needs, such as medical emergencies and staying connected with family members,” the group added.

HURIWA emphasized that the telecom tariff hike has devastating implications for various sectors, including health and education. “Many elderly citizens in rural areas depend on phone calls to communicate their health challenges to their children. This hike will make it harder for them to access life-saving help. Similarly, students who rely on the internet for research and studies will face significant limitations, effectively stunting educational progress,” HURIWA argued.

The group described the policy as the most despicable act by the government and called for its immediate reversal. “This tariff hike is a direct attack on the Nigerian Constitution, and we categorically reject it. It is an assault on every aspect of national life, from education and healthcare to freedom of expression,” it said.

HURIWA also raised concerns about the competence and motives of some ministers in President Tinubu’s cabinet. “We strongly suspect that many of these ministers are mere representatives of powerful cabals who allegedly funded the president’s campaign. For instance, the Minister of Communications, Dr. Bosun Tijani, was not a known figure in the sector before his appointment. Similarly, the Minister of Power has presided over a series of national grid collapses, and the president has failed to act.”

The group further criticized the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Musawa Hannatu, who allegedly violated NYSC laws by accepting a political appointment while serving in the scheme. “It is clear that these ministers are untouchable because they are backed by influential billionaires. This is why their actions, no matter how detrimental to Nigerians, remain unchecked,” HURIWA stated.

HURIWA called for the immediate dismissal of the Minister of Communications, accusing him of championing policies that frustrate and impoverish Nigerians. “If President Tinubu fails to act, he risks allowing his government to be remembered as one that enslaved its people through oppressive policies. Nigerians must not be reduced to perpetual slaves,” the group warned.

HURIWA urged Nigerians to stand up against the tariff hike, describing it as a litmus test for the country’s democracy. “We cannot afford to let this policy stand. The right and freedom of Nigerians are at stake, and we must act decisively to protect them”.