Nigeria is preparing for its first telecom tariff adjustment in over a decade, with increases expected for services such as voice calls, SMS, and data. This move comes as telecom operators face escalating operational costs, including energy expenses and foreign exchange fluctuations, which have significantly impacted their profitability. The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has been advocating for a tariff review to ensure the industry’s sustainability.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, acknowledged the necessity of a tariff increase but indicated that it would not reach the 100% hike proposed by some operators. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is expected to provide clear directives to balance consumer protection with the need for operators to maintain and expand their services.
Industry experts, such as Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Financial Derivatives, anticipate that the tariff increase could range between 40% to 50%. This adjustment aims to address the financial challenges faced by telecom companies, enabling them to continue investing in infrastructure and service quality.
However, this development has raised concerns among consumers, who are already dealing with economic pressures. Many subscribers are calling for a comprehensive overhaul of telecom services to ensure that any increase in tariffs is matched by improvements in service quality and reliability.
As the government and regulatory bodies deliberate on the specifics of the tariff adjustment, the primary challenge remains finding a balance that supports the telecom industry’s sustainability while safeguarding consumer interests. The outcome of these deliberations will significantly influence Nigeria’s digital economy and the accessibility of telecom services for its citizens.
