Kehinde Fajobi
The federal government has proposed a 30-60% increase in telecom tariffs to sustain the telecommunications sector while ensuring affordability for Nigerians.
Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television.
He stated that the move followed recommendations from independent consultants, including KPMG, rejecting operators’ demands for a 100% hike.
He said: “The telecommunications sector contributes over 16 per cent to our GDP, employs thousands of Nigerians, and is essential to the nation’s digital economy.
“However, it is crucial to ensure that services remain accessible while maintaining the sector’s viability.”
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is overseeing the review, ensuring it balances consumer affordability with sector sustainability.
Highlighting rural connectivity efforts, Dr Tijani noted that the government is deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic networks and constructing telecom towers in underserved regions through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
He also cited Nigeria’s leadership in global telecom infrastructure resilience and plans to harmonise taxes while recognising telecom infrastructure as critical national assets.
The minister assured Nigerians of better service delivery, stating: “We are implementing measures to ensure swift resolutions to service interruptions and better experiences for consumers.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to meaningful connectivity, aiming for 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural regions.