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Business operations at the Ibadan branch of MTN Nigeria came to a standstill on Wednesday as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) staged a protest against the recent hike in telecom tariffs.
The students, under the Joint Campus Committee (JCC) in Oyo State, blocked the main entrance of MTN’s office at Mobil Roundabout, preventing customers and staff from accessing the premises. Carrying placards with messages such as “Enough is enough! Tariff hike is a scam!” the protesters voiced their frustrations over rising costs in telecommunication services.
Why Are Students Protesting?
According to the Executive Chairman of NANS/JCC in Oyo, Comrade Tiamiyu Ademola, the demonstration is just the beginning. He confirmed that similar protests will be extended to other telecom service providers.
“Life is getting more difficult for Nigerians by the day. Data subscription was increased by over 100 per cent, making it more unbearable. ‘Happy MTN’ should translate to ‘Happy Customers,’ but now, customers are not happy.”
The students are demanding an immediate reversal of both data and call tariffs, insisting that they should not be placed on the same tariff level as government officials who enjoy call and data allowances.
Impact on Students
NANS Chief of Staff in Oyo, Samuel Adeleke, emphasized how the hike is affecting students’ academic work.
“Many indigent students are now struggling to conduct research, complete final year projects, and engage in other educational activities due to the unsustainable data tariffs.”
He urged the government to intervene, stressing that affordable internet access is crucial for the country’s future.
MTN and NCC’s Position on the Hike
While MTN’s Senior Manager for External Relations, Funso Aina, declined to comment immediately, the increase in telecom tariffs has been linked to approvals from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In January, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) announced a 50% increase in tariffs after receiving approval from the NCC. They justified the decision by citing economic pressures such as the removal of fuel subsidies, devaluation of the naira, and rising operational costs.
However, the move has been widely condemned by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), student bodies, and Civil Society Organizations, who argue that it further burdens Nigerians already struggling with high living costs.
What’s Next?
The student body has vowed to sustain the protest until their demands are met and also plans to engage policymakers in discussions. With increasing public outcry, the pressure is now on both the government and telecom companies to find a solution that balances economic realities with the need for affordable communication services.
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