By Chinenye Anuforo and Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
After years of deliberation and negotiations, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday officially approved a 50% tariff adjustment for telecommunications services across the country.
This long-awaited decision marks a significant development in the telecom industry, as stakeholders have debated the need for revised pricing to address rising operational costs and sustain service delivery.
The adjustment comes in response to persistent calls from service providers for a tariff review, citing inflation, increasing energy costs, and the need to invest in infrastructure upgrades to meet the growing demand for quality telecommunications services. By approving this hike, the NCC aims to strike a balance between ensuring service providers remain financially viable and safeguarding consumers’ access to reliable communication services.
The NCC, in a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Reuben Muoka on Monday said the decision, which is under its authority granted by Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, aims to address the sustainability challenges facing the industry while ensuring the protection of consumers.
It said the approval, which falls below the over 100% hike requested by some network operators, will be implemented within the tariff bands outlined in the NCC’s 2013 Cost Study.
Operators’ requests will be reviewed individually, with strict adherence to the NCC’s 2024 Guidance on Tariff Simplification.
According to the Commission, telecom tariff rates have remained unchanged since 2013 despite significant increases in the cost of operations.
It explained that the adjustment is designed to reduce the gap between current tariffs and the actual cost of delivering services, enabling operators to sustain their investments in infrastructure, improve network quality, and enhance service delivery.
“Recognising the concerns of the public, this decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
“The NCC 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.
“Additionally, the NCC reaffirms its dedication to fostering a resilient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications sector. Beyond protecting consumers, the Commission’s actions are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, support indigenous vendors and suppliers, and promote the overall growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
“As a regulator, the NCC will continue to engage with stakeholders to create a telecommunications environment that works for everyone—one that protects consumers, supports operators, and sustains the ecosystem that drives connectivity across the nation,” NCC stated.
The increase follows protracted demands from telecommunications operators, who cite rising operational costs and the challenges of sustaining their businesses in the country
The NCC had previously denied any plans to raise telecom service tariffs. However, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, confirmed last week that plans to approve the increase were underway, but noted that any hike would not exceed 60 percent.
The development is expected to impact various aspects of Nigeria’s digital economy, from internet services to voice and data tariffs.
Stakeholders say it also highlights the ongoing efforts to sustain the growth of the telecom sector amid evolving economic realities.