The Federal Government has indicated that an increase in telecom tariffs is on the horizon, aiming to stimulate growth and attract further investment in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. However, the adjustment will not meet the 100 percent increase proposed by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), according to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday after an extensive meeting with industry stakeholders and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Tijani emphasized that the government is working to strike a balance between protecting consumers and ensuring the sustainability of telecom operators.
Dr. Tijani noted, “You have seen over the past weeks that there has been agitation from some of these companies to increase tariffs. They are requesting a 100 percent increase. But it will not be by 100 percent. We are still looking at that study, and NCC will come up with a clear directive on how we will go about it.”
Investments in Infrastructure
The Minister highlighted the need for enhanced infrastructure investments to deliver quality telecom services. He pointed out that leaving such investments entirely to the private sector has its limitations, as private entities focus on areas with immediate profitability.
In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Wada Maida, reassured Nigerians that the approved increase would be moderate. “We are not likely to approve a 100 percent hike. Further stakeholder engagements are ongoing, and Nigerians will know the final decision within a week or two,” he said.
The NCC has also revised its quality-of-service regulations and mandated MNOs to simplify their tariff templates for transparency. This move aims to address consumer concerns about unclear charges and the perception of unfair billing.
Telecom Operators Cite Rising Costs
Commenting on the proposed adjustment, Airtel Nigeria CEO, Mr. Dinesh Balsingh, represented by company spokesman Mr. Femi Adeniran, explained that the increment is necessary to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability amid rising operational costs. He assured that the adjustments would also foster digital inclusion and enhance service quality for Nigerian consumers.
With consultations ongoing, the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that any tariff adjustments align with its broader goals of protecting consumers while fostering innovation and growth in the telecom sector.
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