The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a 50% adjustment in telecom tariffs for network operators, citing the rising operational costs and the need to sustain the telecommunications industry.
This decision, announced in a press release signed by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, comes under the regulatory authority of Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. It marks the first significant adjustment in over a decade, despite the increasing financial strain faced by telecom operators.
The 50% tariff cap is notably lower than the over 100% increase initially proposed by some operators. According to the NCC, the decision was reached after extensive consultations with stakeholders across the public and private sectors. The move aligns with the tariff bands set in the NCC’s 2013 Cost Study and the newly issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.
The Commission emphasized that each operator’s request for adjustments would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, ensuring transparency and adherence to market conditions and regulatory reforms.
Telecom operators in Nigeria have long struggled with escalating operational costs, including energy prices and infrastructure maintenance. The NCC noted that this tariff adjustment aims to bridge the widening gap between these costs and the existing service rates.
The adjustment is expected to enable operators to invest in infrastructure upgrades, network quality improvements, and enhanced customer service, ultimately benefiting consumers.
However, the NCC also stressed the importance of balancing industry needs with the financial realities of Nigerian households and businesses. “The Commission remains deeply empathetic to the financial challenges faced by Nigerians and is committed to mitigating the impact of these changes,” the statement read.
To protect consumers, the NCC has mandated that operators implement the tariff changes transparently and fairly. Telecom providers must also educate the public on the revised rates and demonstrate measurable improvements in service delivery as part of the adjustment process.
This tariff adjustment represents a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s telecommunications industry as it seeks to maintain sustainability while safeguarding consumer interests. The NCC reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a resilient and inclusive sector that supports connectivity, innovation, and the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The Commission also pledged continued engagement with stakeholders to ensure that policies and reforms benefit both consumers and operators, sustaining the telecommunications ecosystem that drives Nigeria’s digital economy.
By balancing industry sustainability with consumer protection, the NCC’s decision is set to shape the future of telecom services in Nigeria.
