FG Set to Adjust Telecom Tariffs Amid Concerns Over Steep Hike
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to adjust telecom tariffs, but has reassured Nigerians that the increase will not be as steep as the 100% requested by telecom operators. This decision comes after a stakeholders meeting with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Abuja, where the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized the need for a fair balance between consumer protection and investment in the sector.
According to Tijani, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is still reviewing the situation and will provide a clear directive on the way forward. The Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, added that stakeholders will meet again in two weeks to review feedback and finalize the tariff adjustments.
Telecom companies have been pushing for a tariff increase to manage rising operational costs and ensure the sector’s sustainability. Femi Adeniran, speaking on behalf of Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, stressed the necessity of tariff adjustments for continued service improvement for consumers. However, the government has assured that it will not approve a steep hike, prioritizing consumer protection instead.
