By Calista Oyeoba / Posted January 9, 2025
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has announced that the government has acquiesced to the proposed increase in telecom tariffs being lobbied by the mobile network operations (MNOs), but not by 100% as they canvassed. Following the federal government’s approval, the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) disclosed that the new tariffs will take effect soon.
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The MNOs said they are seeking the proposed tariff hike due to rising operational costs, attendant inflation and increased service delivery expenses. Telecom companies have been lobbying for a tariff increase in the last 10 years, citing harsh operating conditions.
In consideration of the MNOs’ representation, the Minister emphasized that there was the need to strike a balance between protecting consumers and ensuring telecom companies can invest in infrastructure.
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In this connection, Dr. Tijani disclosed that the Federal Government also plans to invest in telecom infrastructure, rather than leaving it solely to private companies.
The NCC has upgraded its monitoring protocols to ensure compliance with service quality and maintenance of standards, urging the MNOs to simplify their pricing templates.
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Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, has hailed the proposed tariff adjustments, citing the need for long term sustainability and digital inclusion.
NOTE: Calista is on Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at DDNEWSONLINE.COM from the Department of Mass Communication, Ekocity Polytechnic, Lagos.