The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Monday approved tariff increase for telecommunication services across the country.
Although the federal government said the decision came after due consultation, telecoms subscribers, however faulted the increase, insisting that it would be adding to the burden of Nigerians “struggling to cope.”
Telecom operators had since 2024, called for tariff increment, saying the sector was at the risk of collapse if tariffs were not increased.
Announcing the tariff adjustment, Director Public Affairs NCC Reuben Muoka, in a statement Monday, said the adjustment was capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs.
Muoka, in the statement, a copy of which was obtained by Blueprint in Abuja, said: “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators, will be granting approval for tariff adjustment requests by Network Operators in response to prevailing market conditions.
“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.
“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.
“Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators. The approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised.
“These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage.
“Recognising the concerns of the public, this decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
“The NCC has prioritised striking a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry, including the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem.
“The NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments. To this end, the Commission has mandated that operators implement these adjustments transparently and in a manner that is fair to consumers. Operators are also required to educate and inform the public about the new rates while demonstrating measurable improvements in service delivery.
“Additionally, the NCC reaffirms its dedication to fostering a resilient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications sector. Beyond protecting consumers, the Commission’s actions are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, support indigenous vendors and suppliers, and promote the overall growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
“As a regulator, the NCC will continue to engage with stakeholders to create a telecommunications environment that works for everyone—one that protects consumers, supports operators, and sustains the ecosystem that drives connectivity across the nation,” the statement added.
…Telecoms subscribers kick
The decision came after the telecoms subscribers had tackled the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, who said the tariff hike threshold should be between 30 and 60 per cent.
They said the minister’s position was contrary to agreements reached between the Consumer Bureau Department of the NCC and stakeholders at the January 9, 2025 meeting in Abuja.
Tijani had, in an interview, said though the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) wanted 100 per cent increase; the government knew such increase would be harmful to the people.
Rejecting the decision, the subscribers, under the umbrella body of Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS-Nigeria) said the minister had no power to fix prices in a liberalised market.
The body, in a statement by its national chairman, Sina Bilesanmi, and made available to journalists Sunday, said tariff hike was not one of the issues agreed on with the regulator in Abuja.
Bilesanmi described telecoms sector pricing as a delicate area, and that the NCC should employ consultants to do data-based empirical cost analysis.
“The MNOs, through their representatives (ATCON and ALTON), are supposed to organise an enlightenment/sensitisation programme to address the issues. The MNOs were supposed to discuss the percentage increment with the subscribers’ representatives after which it will be taken to the subscribers for discussion,” the group said.
He further said: “At the end of the meetings, we were expected to communicate an equilibrium price (a fair price agreeable to all) to the NCC for final approval,” adding that “any tariff hike will do more harm than good to the subscribers at a time they are struggling to cope.”
The group was yet to react to the latest approval from the NCC.