Government Approves Telecom Tariff Increase To Foster Sector Growth.
ABUJA – In a significant move aimed at balancing consumer interests with the sustainability of the telecommunications industry, the Federal Government has approved an increase in tariffs for telecommunications operators across Nigeria. This decision was announced today by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja.
Dr. Tijani explained that the government has been in extensive dialogue with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to establish an equitable tariff rate. “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 per cent tariff increase,” he stated. However, he reassured the public that the increase would not be as steep as the operators had proposed.
“We are still looking at that study and NCC will come up with a clear directive on how we will go about it,” Dr. Tijani continued, highlighting the government’s aim to protect consumers while ensuring that telecom companies can sustain significant investments. “We want to strike the balance as a government to protect our people, but also protect and ensure that these companies can continue to invest significantly.”
The Minister also underscored the government’s new approach to infrastructure investment, noting that the state would not solely rely on private companies. “We need to ensure that as a sector, we get our acts together, ensure that from the regulation side, we put the right regulations in place that can ensure the growth of this sector,” he said, emphasizing the need for meaningful connectivity and access to high-quality services for consumers.
At the same meeting, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), confirmed that measures are in place to enforce quality of service regulations among telecom operators. “We are moving away from the regime where you will have a main rate, then you will now have a bonus which is at a different rate. It makes it often complicated and difficult for Nigerians to actually understand what they are being charged for,” he explained, adding that the new tariffs would be publicised soon to enhance transparency.
The necessity of the tariff adjustment for the sector’s long-term sustainability was also highlighted by Femi Adeniran, media spokesperson for Airtel Nigeria, representing CEO Dinesh Balsingh. “The proposed tariff adjustments are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector,” Adeniran stated, reflecting the industry’s view on the matter.
This tariff adjustment marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, aiming to foster both growth and consumer protection in an increasingly digital economy. Further details on the new tariff structures are expected to be released by the NCC in the coming weeks, providing clarity and setting expectations for all stakeholders involved.
