The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has confirmed that there will be an increase in telecom tariffs in Nigeria, but reassured the public that the rise will not be as high as the proposed 100%.
This statement came after a stakeholders’ meeting with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Abuja.
Dr. Tijani explained that consultations are still ongoing, and soon the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will approve and release the new tariffs.
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He acknowledged the current agitation from some telecom companies seeking a tariff hike but highlighted the government’s aim to balance consumer protection with the need to support these companies’ ability to invest.
According to Tijani, there’s a need for appropriate regulations to foster the growth of the telecommunications sector, and the government will no longer leave infrastructure investments entirely to private companies.
He stressed that while the focus has been on tariff increases, the global conversation is shifting towards ensuring meaningful connectivity and access to quality services.
Additionally, the NCC Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, mentioned that the ongoing consultations would ensure a fair and balanced tariff increase.
He assured that the public would be informed of the final decision within the next one or two weeks.
He also urged MNOs to make their charges clearer, moving away from complex billing systems, and instead adopting more transparent and understandable templates.
The CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, represented by Femi Adeniran, explained that the proposed tariff adjustments are essential due to the increasing operational and capital costs, and they are necessary to maintain long-term sustainability and improve connectivity for Nigerian consumers.
