The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved an increase in telecom tariffs following demands from mobile network operators (MNOs). However, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, assured Nigerians that the increment would not be the 100% hike initially proposed by the operators.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Dr. Tijani revealed that consultations are ongoing to determine a fair and acceptable tariff rate. He emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing consumer protection with the need to attract private sector investment.
“You have seen over the past weeks that there has been agitation from telecom companies requesting a 100% tariff increase. However, it will not be by 100%. We aim to strike a balance that ensures growth and sustainability in the sector while protecting citizens,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the Federal Government’s plans to actively invest in telecom infrastructure to complement the efforts of private companies, ensuring improved connectivity and quality service delivery.
Similarly, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, stated that stakeholders are finalizing the exact percentage increase, which will be announced within two weeks.
Dr. Maida added that the NCC is revising its quality-of-service regulations to enhance transparency, enabling Nigerians to better understand charges for voice calls, SMS, and data services.
Meanwhile, Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, represented by media spokesperson Femi Adeniran, argued that tariff adjustments are necessary to address rising operational costs and ensure the telecom sector’s sustainability.
The proposed tariff review aims to balance economic realities with delivering superior connectivity and fostering digital inclusion across Nigeria.
