The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has announced that Nigeria’s telecommunications tariffs will soon rise, though not by the 100 percent requested by telecom operators.
Dr. Tijani disclosed this on Wednesday after a stakeholders’ meeting with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Abuja. He assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would soon finalize and approve the new tariffs, balancing the interests of both citizens and operators.
Minister’s Statement
“Telecom operators have been pushing for a 100 percent tariff increase, but that will not happen,” Tijani said. “We are studying the situation, and the NCC will provide a clear directive. The government is committed to protecting Nigerians while ensuring these companies can continue to invest in the sector.”
The minister emphasized the need for regulations that foster growth while addressing investment challenges in the telecommunications sector. He also revealed that the federal government would no longer leave infrastructure investments solely to private companies.
“Private operators tend to invest in areas with immediate returns, but as a government, we need to ensure widespread access to quality services and meaningful connectivity,” Tijani added.
Stakeholder Engagement
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, noted that the ongoing stakeholder consultations aim to ensure the sustainability of the telecom industry.
He said, “While operators have requested significant tariff increases, it is unlikely that a 100 percent hike will be approved. The NCC will announce the final decision within two weeks.”
Dr. Maida also highlighted the revision of quality of service regulations and the simplification of billing systems to ensure transparency for consumers.
“We are moving towards a regime where charges for voice calls, SMS, and data will be straightforward, eliminating complex rates and bonuses that confuse subscribers,” he said.
Background and Industry Concerns
The push for tariff hikes follows appeals from telecom giants such as MTN and Airtel, which have cited rising operational costs. Operators recently warned of potential disruptions in the sector if their requests are not approved.
On the other hand, consumer groups have urged telecom companies to explore alternatives to tariff increases, emphasizing the importance of affordable connectivity for Nigerians.
As discussions continue, the NCC and the government remain focused on finding a middle ground that supports the industry’s growth while safeguarding consumers.
