The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced that telecom tariffs in Nigeria will soon increase.
Dr. Bosun Tijani emphasized that the hike will not be as high as the 100% proposed by Mobile Network Operators, MNOs.
Speaking after a stakeholders’ meeting with MNOs in Abuja on Wednesday, Tijani explained that ongoing consultations and discussions were shaping the final decision.
While the MNOs have requested a full 100% increase in tariffs, the Minister clarified that the Nigerian Communications Commission , NCC, will soon announce the new rates, which are expected to be less than the proposed amount.
Tijani stressed the government’s aim to balance protecting consumers and ensuring telecom companies can continue to invest in the sector.
“The tariffs will not increase by 100%,” said Tijani. “The NCC will issue a clear directive soon, balancing the needs of both the consumers and the companies.”
The Minister also highlighted the need for more substantial government involvement in the sector, particularly in infrastructure investment.
Historically, private telecom companies have been responsible for the bulk of infrastructure investments, but the government now intends to play a more active role to ensure sustainable growth.
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“We can no longer leave infrastructure investments solely to private companies,” Tijani stated. “They typically invest where there are short-term returns.
The conversation should go beyond tariff increases—global discussions today focus on meaningful connectivity, which requires ongoing investment in infrastructure.”
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, echoed the Minister’s comments, adding that although the stakeholders’ meeting addressed industry sustainability, it was unlikely that the tariff increase would reach 100%. “We are still in consultations with stakeholders, but you will hear from us in the next week or two,” Maida said.
Maida also called for greater transparency from MNOs in their pricing structures, urging them to simplify their charges for voice calls, SMS, and data to make it easier for consumers to understand. “We want to move away from complicated pricing structures that confuse consumers,” he explained.
Representatives from the telecom industry, including Airtel Nigeria’s CEO Dinesh Balsingh, also weighed in.
Airtel’s spokesperson, Femi Adeniran, explained that rising operational and capital costs were key factors driving the tariff increase proposal.
Balsingh affirmed that the adjustments were necessary to sustain the sector and continue delivering quality service while fostering digital inclusion in Nigeria.
Crediblenewsng.com
