The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval for tariff adjustments requested by telecommunications operators, aiming to address the financial challenges faced by the sector. The decision, taken under the authority of Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, allowed for a maximum increase of 50% in current tariffs, significantly lower than the over 100% increase sought by some operators.
The NCC’s move was in response to escalating operational costs and is intended to ensure the sustainability of the industry while maintaining service quality for consumers. The Commission emphasized that the adjustments will adhere to the tariff bands established in the 2013 NCC Cost Study and will be implemented following the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.
Since 2013, telecom tariffs have remained unchanged despite rising costs in the industry. The approved adjustments aimed to bridge the gap between these operational costs and existing tariffs, supporting continued investment in infrastructure and innovation by network operators. This, in turn, is expected to enhance network quality, customer service, and coverage for consumers.
The decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across the public and private sectors. The NCC highlighted its commitment to balancing consumer protection with industry sustainability, acknowledging the economic pressures on Nigerian households and businesses. To mitigate the impact of the tariff increase, operators are mandated to implement the adjustments transparently and educate the public about the new rates, alongside demonstrating improvements in service delivery.
Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, in a release reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to fostering a resilient and inclusive telecommunications sector that supports both consumers and industry players. He said NCC will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure a balanced telecommunications environment that drives connectivity across Nigeria.
The new tariff adjustments are expected to bolster the industry’s capacity to invest in critical infrastructure, benefiting the nation’s digital economy and the myriad vendors and suppliers that comprised the telecommunications ecosystem.
