The federal government has proposed a 30-60% increase in telecom tariffs to ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector while maintaining affordability for consumers.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, revealed during an interview on Channels Television that the government received recommendations from independent consultants, including KPMG, on the matter. Rejecting telecom operators’ calls for a 100% hike, Dr. Tijani emphasized that a moderate increase would balance affordability and sector growth.
“The telecommunications sector contributes over 16% to our GDP, employs thousands of Nigerians, and is vital to the digital economy. However, we must ensure services remain accessible while sustaining the sector’s viability,” Dr. Tijani explained.
He highlighted that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is leading a data-driven tariff review process, prioritizing consumer interests and long-term sector sustainability.
Addressing rural connectivity, the minister announced plans to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables and construct telecom towers in remote areas through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). He also noted Nigeria’s leadership in managing telecommunications infrastructure resilience, particularly in mitigating submarine cable disruptions.
Dr. Tijani reaffirmed the government’s commitment to harmonizing taxes, declaring telecom infrastructure as critical national assets, and holding operators accountable for service interruptions.
“We aim to deliver 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas while ensuring meaningful connectivity for all Nigerians. This includes fostering an environment conducive to both private and public investments,” he said.
The tariff adjustment is expected to support the sector’s growth while enhancing service delivery and connectivity nationwide.
