The Federal Government has confirmed plans to increase telecoms tariffs, but has assured Nigerians that the hike won’t be as steep as the 100% requested by operators.
According to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijan, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will develop modalities for tariff adjustments in the telecoms industry.
Tijan emphasized the need to strike a balance between protecting Nigerians and ensuring the sustainability of telecommunications companies.
He noted that the government aims to implement the Executive Order to protect telecom infrastructure, increase local content, and ensure the sustainability of telecom companies amidst global inflation.
The minister’s statement comes after telecom operators requested a 100% tariff increase, citing rising operational and capital costs.
However, the government has assured that the approved increase will be lower than the proposed 100%.
The NCC has scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the proposed tariff hike, and the exact percentage of the increase is expected to be announced within a week or two.