Freetown, Sierra Leone — The National Union of Civil Society Organizations (NUCSO-SL) has issued a strong public statement condemning what it describes as the “unjustified and continuous” increase in data tariffs by mobile network operators across the country.
In a release dated Tuesday, November 11, 2025, NUCSO-SL accused the National Telecommunications Authority (NATCA) of failing in its responsibility to protect consumers and enforce regulatory standards.
The Union alleges that despite widespread public complaints, NATCA has shown “gross regulatory incompetence” by allowing telecommunication companies to repeatedly hike data charges without clear justification.
According to NUCSO-SL, the increases have placed a heavy burden on ordinary citizens, particularly students, low-income earners, and small business owners who depend on affordable internet access for education, communication, and commerce.
The Union is therefore calling for the immediate resignation or dismissal of the Director General of NATCA, adding that the regulator’s failure undermines the Consumer Protection Act of 2020.
The Act prohibits unfair pricing practices and empowers regulatory bodies to impose penalties, including fines and license revocation, against operators that exploit consumers.
NUCSO-SL further claims that consumers are losing millions of Leones every day due to what it calls “exploitative pricing systems,” lamenting a lack of transparency and accountability from both the telecom companies and their regulators.
The Union has urged President Julius Maada Bio and the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Civic Education to intervene, including the launch of an independent investigation into NATCA’s handling of pricing oversight.
It also called for the establishment of clearer and consumer-friendly pricing structures within the telecommunications sector.
NUCSO-SL reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for transparency, fairness, and consumer rights in Sierra Leone.
