The Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS-Nigeria), representing over 220 million users, has rejected the proposed 30–60% telecom tariff hike announced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
In a statement on Sunday, ATCIS-Nigeria’s National President, ‘Sina Bilesanmi, criticized the move, stating it contradicted an agreement reached on January 9, 2025, with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other stakeholders. During the meeting, stakeholders agreed that any tariff increase would require thorough consultations and public engagement.
Bilesanmi called for adherence to the NCC Act, urging telecom operators to consult subscriber advocacy groups before proposing tariff adjustments. “Subscribers are the ones paying for these services, and any deviation from proper consultation is unacceptable,” he said.
The minister had previously disclosed on Arise TV that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) were advocating for a 100% tariff increase to stabilize the telecom sector. While rejecting the drastic hike, the government proposed a more moderate 30–60% increase, emphasizing the need to shield Nigerians from undue hardship.
However, ATCIS argued that pricing decisions in a liberalized telecom market should not rest solely with the minister but involve the NCC and subscriber advocacy groups, driven by data-backed analysis.
The group warned that a tariff hike would disproportionately impact small business owners and ordinary Nigerians, exacerbating economic challenges and hindering digital transformation efforts. “Affordable telecom services are essential for businesses and the digital economy. A tariff increase will only worsen the financial strain on citizens,” Bilesanmi added.
ATCIS-Nigeria urged the government to prioritize consultations with stakeholders and ensure any tariff changes align with the interests of subscribers and the broader economy.
