NCC approves 50% hike in telecom tariffs
Joy Agwunobi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a tariff adjustment for telecom operators, limiting the maximum increase to 50 per cent.
This decision, disclosed in a statement by Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, comes in response to mounting operational costs faced by network providers.
Under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the NCC is empowered to regulate and approve tariff rates. The Commission stated that the adjustment, although lower than the over 100 per cent hike proposed by operators, aims to address the growing gap between rising operational costs and the stagnant tariffs that have remained unchanged since 2013.
According to the NCC, the adjustment will be implemented within the tariff bands outlined in its 2013 Cost Study and will follow the newly issued 2024 Guidance on Tariff Simplification. Each operator’s request will undergo a case-by-case review to ensure compliance with the Commission’s regulatory standards.
The NCC emphasised that these adjustments are designed to support the sustainability of the telecommunications industry while ensuring that the quality of services provided to consumers is not compromised. Operators are expected to utilise the adjusted tariffs to enhance their infrastructure, improve service delivery, and expand network coverage.
The decision follows extensive consultations with stakeholders, including representatives from the public and private sectors. The NCC underscored its commitment to balancing consumer interests with the industry’s need for sustainable growth.
The Commission further directed operators to implement the tariff changes fairly and also inform the public about the revised rates and demonstrate visible improvements in service delivery.
“The NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments. To this end, the Commission has mandated that operators implement these adjustments transparently and in a manner that is fair to consumers. Operators are also required to educate and inform the public about the new rates while demonstrating measurable improvements in service delivery,” the NCC stated.
The NCC reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a robust and inclusive telecommunications ecosystem. It highlighted that the adjustments would not only protect consumers but also support thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers critical to the telecom value chain.
As the industry adapts to the new tariffs, the NCC pledged ongoing engagement with stakeholders to ensure a telecom environment that benefits all parties—consumers, operators, and the broader ecosystem driving Nigeria’s digital economy.