Nigerian telephone subscribers will face higher costs for data and airtime as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% tariff increase for telecom operators on Monday.
In a statement, NCC spokesperson Reuben Muoka explained that the adjustment, while lower than the over 100% increase requested by some network operators, was made in consideration of ongoing industry reforms aimed at fostering long-term sustainability.
The increase is authorized under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA), which empowers the NCC to regulate and approve tariff rates for telecommunications operators.
“The adjustments will remain within the tariff bands outlined in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, with future requests reviewed on a case-by-case basis, in line with the Commission’s standard tariff review procedures. The implementation will follow the newly issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024,” the statement read.
It noted that telecom tariffs have remained unchanged since 2013, despite rising operational costs faced by operators.
“This adjustment is necessary to bridge the gap between operational costs and existing tariffs while ensuring that service delivery to consumers is not compromised,” the NCC said. “The increase will enable operators to invest in infrastructure and innovation, resulting in improved services, better network quality, enhanced customer support, and broader coverage.”
The NCC acknowledged the financial strain on Nigerian households and businesses and emphasized its commitment to ensuring that tariff adjustments are implemented transparently and equitably. Operators will be required to inform the public about the new rates and demonstrate tangible improvements in service delivery.
As of December 2023, Nigeria had over 224 million telecom subscribers, with MTN holding the largest market share at 87 million subscribers, accounting for 38.79% of the market. Globacom and Airtel each have 61 million subscribers, while 9mobile has 13.9 million users.
For instance, if you were previously paying N20 as a tariff for N100 calls, you will now pay N30 for the same N100. If Tarrif was N50, it will now be N75.