TELECOM NEWS: TELECOM TARIFF TO INCREASE, BUT NOT BY 100% — MINISTER

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has confirmed that telecommunications tariffs in Nigeria will soon increase. However, he assured that the proposed 100% hike submitted by operators will not be fully implemented.

Tijani disclosed this during an interview on Wednesday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to balancing the needs of telecom companies with consumer protection. He noted that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is currently reviewing the proposal to determine an appropriate adjustment that supports industry sustainability without imposing excessive burdens on Nigerians.

“The verdict is that tariffs will increase, but not by 100%,” Tijani stated. “The study we commissioned is helping us explore ways to sustain the sector without causing significant hardship for our people. Even where challenges exist, we are devising strategies to alleviate them.”

Telecom operators had proposed a substantial tariff increase, citing rising operational costs, inflation, and volatile exchange rates. The sector has faced over 300% growth in operating expenses over the past two years, according to Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh.

Balsingh explained, “For over a decade, tariffs have remained static despite the dramatic increase in operating expenses. To continue providing high-quality services and meeting the growing demand for digital connectivity, it has become essential to realign our pricing structure with economic realities.”

Similarly, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr Gbenga Adebayo, described the telecom sector as “under siege,” with operators struggling to maintain quality services and network expansion.

The minister assured that the government is considering measures to minimize the impact of the tariff adjustment, including safeguarding telecom infrastructure and encouraging local industry participation.

The NCC is expected to issue directives soon, outlining the new tariff structure to ensure the sector’s growth while protecting consumers.