Telecom operators in Nigeria may receive approval to increase call, SMS, and data rates before the first quarter of 2025 ends, according to a senior official from one of the nation’s top telecommunications companies.
Speaking anonymously to journalists in Lagos, the official revealed that telecom giants, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel, and 9Mobile, are awaiting the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) decision to approve price adjustments.
If granted, this approval would mark the end of over a decade of lobbying by telecom operators, who have long advocated for a tariff review to align with rising operational costs and economic realities.
“We are optimistic that the federal government will grant us permission to adjust tariffs.
“The industry is struggling due to escalating costs, with some companies already experiencing losses. Without intervention, the sector’s future looks bleak,” the official stated.
The proposed increase could see call rates rise from N11 to N15.40 per minute, SMS charges increase from N4 to N5.60, and a 1GB data bundle climb from N1,000 to at least N1,400—a potential 40% hike across services.
Reports indicate that telecom operators have been unable to adjust prices for over 11 years despite significant inflationary pressures.
