The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a tariff hike of up to 50% for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to address the growing operational costs faced by telecom companies.
Announcing the decision in Abuja on Monday, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Reuben Muoka, explained that the adjustment aligns with the commission’s regulatory authority under the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003. He noted that the increase was necessary to bridge the gap between stagnant tariffs and rising costs, ensuring service quality is maintained.
The tariff rise, capped at 50%, is significantly lower than the over 100% increase some operators had proposed. It adheres to the tariff bands outlined in the NCC’s 2013 Cost Study and follows the commission’s 2024 Guidance on Tariff Simplification.
According to Muoka, telecom tariffs have remained unchanged since 2013 despite inflation and escalating operational expenses. He emphasised that the adjustments would enable continued investment in infrastructure and innovation, leading to better services for consumers.
The NCC made its decision after extensive consultations with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors, aiming to balance consumer protection with industry sustainability.
Operators have been instructed to inform the public about the new rates and demonstrate improvements in service quality. The NCC reiterated its commitment to fostering a resilient and inclusive telecom sector that supports Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
