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The Federal Government has announced that the cost of calls, data, and SMS will soon go up, following demands by telecom companies for a price review. However, the government has assured Nigerians that the increase will not be as high as the 100% hike proposed by the operators.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, disclosed this during a meeting with telecom stakeholders in Abuja. He said the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecom industry regulator, is finalizing plans to approve the new tariffs.
“There has been pressure from telecom companies to raise tariffs, with some requesting a 100% increase. However, this will not happen. The NCC is studying the situation to strike a balance between protecting Nigerians and allowing telecom companies to continue investing in the sector,” Dr. Tijani explained.
Why the Increase Is Necessary
Dr. Tijani pointed out that investments in telecom infrastructure have been primarily driven by private companies, who often focus on areas that promise quick returns. He added that the government will now take a more active role in ensuring high-quality and affordable services for Nigerians.
“This discussion isn’t just about higher tariffs. It’s about meaningful connectivity. Consumers want better service, and achieving that requires significant investment in infrastructure,” the minister said.
NCC to Ensure Transparency
The NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, assured Nigerians that the new rates would be carefully reviewed to avoid overburdening consumers.
“We are still in the process of consulting with stakeholders and will announce the approved rates soon. It won’t be a 100% increase as some fear,” he said.
Dr. Maida also stated that the NCC is working to simplify how telecom services are billed, so Nigerians can easily understand what they’re paying for.
Telecom Operators Speak Out
The CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, represented by spokesperson Femi Adeniran, supported the need for a tariff review, citing rising costs of operation.
“The increase is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector and to improve the quality of services for Nigerians,” Balsingh said.
When Will the Increase Happen?
Although the government has not set a specific date for the new tariffs to take effect, reports suggest the changes could come by the end of January or early February.
The Federal Government has promised to continue engaging with all stakeholders to ensure the tariff adjustment benefits both the industry and consumers.
