The Federal Government has approved a tariff adjustment for telecommunications operators in Nigeria, following extensive consultations with stakeholders.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, announced the development during a meeting with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Abuja.
Dr. Tijani explained that while telecom operators had requested a 100% increase in tariffs, the approved rates would be significantly lower to balance the interests of consumers and the industry.
“You may have noticed recent calls from telecom companies for a tariff increase, with some requesting a 100% adjustment. However, we will not approve such a steep hike. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will soon issue a directive detailing the new rates,” he said.
He emphasized that the government is committed to protecting consumers while ensuring that telecom companies remain viable and capable of significant investment.
“We must strike a balance as a government. Our priority is to protect Nigerians while also ensuring these companies have the capacity to continue investing in infrastructure and delivering high-quality services,” he added.
The Minister highlighted the government’s plans to collaborate with private companies on infrastructure development to improve meaningful connectivity and service quality.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), also addressed concerns over service quality. He assured Nigerians that the NCC is committed to enforcing compliance with quality-of-service regulations.
“We aim to simplify telecom tariffs, eliminating complex bonus structures that confuse consumers. Nigerians deserve transparency in billing and confidence in the services they pay for,” Dr. Maida stated.
Representing Airtel Nigeria, Femi Adeniran, the company’s media spokesperson, noted that tariff adjustments are critical for sustaining the industry’s growth and meeting rising consumer expectations.
The new tariffs and guidelines are expected to be officially announced by the NCC in the coming weeks.