Nigerians to brace for new telecom tariffs, FG rejects 100% hike proposal

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has urged Nigerians to prepare for an impending increase in telecommunications tariffs.

However, he reassured the public that the Federal Government would not permit the full 100% tariff hike proposed by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

Dr. Tijani disclosed this development during a stakeholders’ meeting with MNOs in Abuja on Wednesday. He stated that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would finalize the tariff adjustments and make the new rates public in the coming weeks.

Addressing concerns about the proposed tariff hike, the minister emphasized the need to strike a balance between safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring the sustainability of telecommunications companies.

“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 tariff increase. But it will not be by 100 percent,” Dr. Tijani said.

“We are still looking at that study, and NCC will come up with a clear directive on how we will go about it.”

He underscored the importance of protecting citizens while enabling companies to maintain significant investments in the sector.

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“We need to ensure that, as a sector, we get our acts together and put in place the right regulations to foster growth,” Tijani added.

The minister also highlighted the government’s plan to play a more active role in infrastructural investments, which have historically been left to private entities. He noted that this approach often results in investments being concentrated in areas with short- to medium-term returns, leaving underserved regions behind.

“We will not want this conversation to just be about tariff increase. What the world is talking about today is meaningful connectivity,” Dr. Tijani stated. “Consumers want access to high-quality service, but this requires significant investment in infrastructure.”

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Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, echoed the minister’s sentiments, stressing the need to sustain the industry while addressing consumer concerns.

He assured Nigerians that the NCC was still engaging stakeholders to determine a fair and sustainable tariff adjustment.

“We are not likely to approve a 100 percent tariff increase,” Maida said. “We know Nigerians are eager to hear the exact percentage approved. The NCC will communicate the final decision within a week or two.”

Maida also pointed out the commission’s ongoing efforts to improve service quality through revised quality-of-service regulations and compliance tools.

The upcoming announcement from the NCC is expected to provide clarity on the new tariff rates, paving the way for a more balanced approach to telecom sector development in Nigeria.