The Federal High Court in Abuja has explained why it struck out a lawsuit challenging the 50 per cent telecommunications tariff hike approved in January 2025, handing a legal victory to MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and the Nigerian Communications Commission.
According to a report by ARISENEWS, in the judgment delivered on April 22, 2026, Justice M.G. Umar ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit after finding that the applicant failed to establish locus standi—the legal right to institute the action.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/643/2025, was filed on October 21, 2025, by Barrister Obioma Ezenwobodo, who sought to nullify the NCC’s approval of the 50 per cent tariff increase and compel both the regulator and MTN Nigeria to refund all charges collected under the hike, with interest.
He also demanded N100 million in general damages, citing alleged hardship, economic deprivation and psychological distress caused by what he described as arbitrary and unlawful charges.
However, MTN Nigeria, through its counsel Ituah Imhanze of Kenna LP, challenged the suit at the preliminary stage, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter. The objection was heard on January 26, 2026.
In his ruling, Justice Umar agreed with the telecom company, holding that the plaintiff failed to demonstrate any special or personal interest different from that of the general public.
The court noted that the tariff increase applied uniformly to all telecom subscribers across the country and did not uniquely affect the applicant. As a result, the complaint was deemed a general grievance, which does not confer the legal standing required to approach the court.
Having found that the applicant lacked locus standi, the court declined to consider the substantive issues raised in the suit and accordingly struck it out.
The judge also ordered all parties to bear their respective costs, dismissing the claims for refunds and damages.