From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a pan-African students’ group, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecom companies to reverse the recent 50 per cent hike in tariffs.
Its President, Bestman Okereafor, described the 50 percent increment as “unjustifiable, untimely, and insensitive,” stating the group’s total rejection of the “anti-masses” policy.
According to him, PSM is urging the NCC and telecommunications companies to review and reverse their decision as a matter of urgency.
“It will be recalled that telecom operators had previously demanded to adjust their tariff rate, a request which many Nigerians, especially Nigerian students, frowned upon.
“Information at our disposal shows that the NCC approved the telecom companies’ request in response to rising operational costs, to the detriment of Nigerians and the obvious economic realities facing the country.
“However, this development, which allows for a maximum of 50 percent adjustment to current tariffs, was announced in a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, on Monday, Jan. 20.”
Okereafor warned that the entire students’ bodies would protest the “abnormal and inconsiderate” 50 percent tariff increment if it is not reviewed within 72 hours.