The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has confirmed that a telecom tariff hike is coming soon, with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) set to announce a new directive. However, Tijani clarified that the increase will not be as high as 100%.
The announcement followed a meeting with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Abuja, where it was revealed that the MNOs had proposed a 100% increase, citing the need to align with market conditions and ensure high-quality services. Tijani stated that while discussions are ongoing, the government aims to strike a balance between protecting consumers and ensuring telecom companies can continue to invest.
“We want to protect our people but also ensure these companies can invest,” Tijani said. He also stressed that the government would take a more active role in infrastructure investments, rather than leaving it solely to private companies. The focus, he added, is on providing meaningful connectivity and access to quality service.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, assured that the tariff hike would not reach 100%. He stated that additional stakeholder consultations were ongoing, and the public would be informed within the next two weeks. He also emphasized the need for transparency in charges, urging MNOs to simplify the display of costs for services like voice calls, SMS, and data.
Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, represented by Femi Adeniran, justified the tariff adjustment, citing rising operational and capital costs, which are essential for maintaining superior connectivity and promoting digital inclusion.
However, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) strongly opposed the proposed hike, warning that it would lead to a 40% rise in telecom service prices, further burdening Nigerian consumers. NATCOMS criticized the NCC’s move, describing it as “insensitive” and harmful to the public interest, as it could make telecom services less affordable for many Nigerians already struggling with high living costs.