By John Audu.
The Federal Government has officially approved a tariff increase for telecommunications operators across the country.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced the decision during a stakeholders’ meeting with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Abuja.
Dr. Tijani stated that the government has been in discussions with telecom operators to determine a fair rate. He reassured Nigerians that the new tariffs would not reach the 100% increase initially requested by the operators.
“You have seen over the past weeks that there has been agitation from some of these companies to increase tariffs. They are requesting a 100% increase,” he said. “However, it will not be by that amount. We are still reviewing the situation, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will issue clear guidelines on the implementation.”
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing consumer protection with the need for telecom companies to continue investing in infrastructure. “We need to ensure that we get our acts together as a sector and establish the right regulations to foster growth,” he added.
Dr. Tijani also highlighted the government’s intention to take a more active role in infrastructure investment, stressing the importance of providing consumers with access to high-quality services.
In addition, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, addressed the meeting, outlining measures to ensure compliance with quality of service regulations among telecom operators. He assured the public that details of the new tariffs would be released soon.
“We are moving away from a system where consumers face a main rate and then a bonus at a different rate, which often complicates understanding of charges,” Dr. Maida noted. “This has been a significant concern, particularly with complaints about data usage.”
Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, represented by media spokesperson Femi Adeniran, echoed the sentiment, stating that the proposed tariff adjustments are essential for the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector.
