Nigerians will now pay at least 50% more of their current charges for voice calls and data usage, following approval of telecom companies’ request for tariffs adjustment by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday.
The NCC, in a statement on Monday, announced that it approved 50% hike of tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators “in response to prevailing market conditions,” against the telcos earlier demand for 100% tariffs hike.
The statement by the Commission’s director for public affairs, Reuben Muoka read in part: “The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.
“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.”
Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators. The approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised, according to the NCC.
“These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage,” the regulator stated.
NCC explained that recognising the concerns of the public, this decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors, adding that it has prioritised striking a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry, including the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem.
“The NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments. To this end, the Commission has mandated that operators implement these adjustments transparently and in a manner that is fair to consumers. Operators are also required to educate and inform the public about the new rates while demonstrating measurable improvements in service delivery,” the Commission stated.
