- In December 2024, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) warned of service shedding if tariffs remain unadjusted.
- ATCON also asked the NCC to review call tariffs upwards by the first quarter of 2025.
- Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, stated that telecommunications operators want a 100 percent increase in tariffs.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given the green light to telecommunications companies to raise their tariffs.
This decision was made public on Monday by Reuben Muoka, the commission’s director of public affairs.
According to Muoka, the NCC has the authority to regulate and approve tariff rates under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA).
The NCC has capped the tariff adjustment at 50 percent, which is lower than the 100 percent requested by telecommunications operators.
This increase is in response to the current 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,” the commission said.
The NCC also stated that the approved adjustment will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, following the commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews.
“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.
The NCC believes that the tariff increase will enable telecommunications operators to invest in infrastructure and innovation.
This, in turn, will benefit 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 said.
The commission has prioritized striking a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry.
This includes supporting the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem.
The NCC recognized the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses. The commission remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments.
To address these concerns, the NCC has mandated that operators implement these adjustments transparently and fairly. Operators must also educate and inform the public about the new rates while demonstrating measurable improvements in service delivery.
The NCC reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a resilient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications sector.
The commission’s actions aimed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, support indigenous vendors and suppliers, and promote the overall growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The regulator will continue to engage with stakeholders to create a telecommunications environment that works for everyone.
This environment should protect consumers, support operators, and sustain the ecosystem that drives connectivity across the nation.
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