The Nigerian government has approved an increase in telecommunications tariffs for operators such as MTN and Airtel. This decision follows requests from telecom companies for a 100% hike to address rising operational costs. However, the approved increase will be less than the proposed 100%.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is finalizing the new tariff structure, which will be made public soon. The government aims to balance consumer protection with the need for telecom companies to sustain operations and invest in infrastructure.
The exact percentage of the tariff increase has not been disclosed, but reports suggest it could be around 40%. This adjustment may result in call rates rising from ₦11 to approximately ₦15.40 per minute, SMS charges increasing from ₦4 to about ₦5.60, and 1GB of data costing at least ₦1,400.
Telecom operators have cited significant financial challenges, including substantial losses reported by major players like MTN Nigeria and Airtel in recent years. The tariff increase is intended to help the sector remain sustainable and encourage investment in infrastructure.
The NCC has updated its quality-of-service regulations to improve transparency and compliance. Operators are now required to simplify their pricing templates, allowing consumers to clearly understand charges for voice calls, SMS, and data.
Consumer advocacy groups have expressed concerns over the tariff hike, describing the plan as “insensitive” and a further burden on consumers already grappling with economic hardship. The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has indicated plans to file a class-action lawsuit if the telecom operators proceed with the hike without first exploring alternative revenue-generating methods.
The NCC is expected to announce the new tariffs within the next two weeks, following ongoing stakeholder consultations. The government emphasizes that the adjustment is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector while delivering benefits to consumers.
For more insights into the implications of this tariff increase, you can watch the following video:
