*Seeks Mandatory Refunds with Interest and ₦100 Million Damages As Hearing Adjourned To January 26
Obioma Ezenwobodo Esq, Pioneer and Immediate Past Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Abuja (2022–2024), has filed a high-profile suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecom giant MTN Nigeria Communications PLC over the controversial 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs.
Filed by way of judicial review, the suit seeks to set aside the tariff hike approved by the NCC on January 20, 2025, citing the absence of a public inquiry as required under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. Justice Mohammed Umar, presiding over the matter, had on September 23, 2025, granted leave for Ezenwobodo to pursue judicial review of the tariff adjustment.
At yesterday’s court session, Ezenwobodo’s counsel, Joseph Onu Silas, informed the court that both respondents, the NCC and MTN, had been served with the originating process and had filed their respective memoranda of appearance. The court adjourned the hearing to January 26, 2026, in the interest of fair hearing.
The 50% tariff increase affects voice calls, SMS, and data services and was approved despite telecom operators initially requesting a near 100% adjustment. Companies, including MTN, justified the hike as necessary to sustain operations, modernize networks, and attract over $1 billion in new investments.
However, the decision sparked nationwide criticism. Labor unions, such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), threatened boycotts, while many subscribers decried the hike as exploitative amid rising inflation. Reports indicate that the increase led to a decline in active internet subscriptions as Nigerians scaled back data usage.
Ezenwobodo’s motion, filed under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/64/2025, alleges that the NCC violated provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act, including Sections 57(3), 70(1)(c), 71(1)(d), 86, and 87, which mandate a public inquiry before tariff adjustments.
“The Commission shall hold a public inquiry in all instances required under this Act or its subsidiary legislation,” the suit quotes. Ezenwobodo contends that bypassing this process rendered the hike unlawful.
As an affected subscriber, Ezenwobodo claims he sent multiple letters to the NCC in early 2025 demanding a review and refund but received no response. The suit seeks:
Supporting affidavits detail Ezenwobodo’s personal losses, including disrupted communications and financial strain from the “unjust, arbitrary, and illegal charges.”
Neither the NCC nor MTN has responded publicly to the suit. The case is scheduled for hearing on January 26, 2026.