Telecommunications operators have dismissed concerns over a possible increase in call and data tariffs, clarifying that the ongoing regulatory review by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is focused on pricing arrangements between network operators rather than charges paid by consumers.
The clarification was given by Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), who said the exercise currently being undertaken by the telecom regulator is a routine industry review aimed at determining fair wholesale pricing for services exchanged among operators.
His comments come amid speculation that the NCC was considering another upward review of telecom tariffs following reports that the commission had engaged consultants and industry stakeholders to examine existing pricing structures.
However, Adebayo stressed that there are currently no discussions on increasing consumer tariffs and that subscribers should not interpret the ongoing review as a precursor to higher service charges.
According to him, the NCC’s review centres on interconnect rates, which govern how much one operator pays another when calls originate on one network and terminate on a different network.
“There are no conversations around tariff review at this time, and there are no discussions around an upward review of tariffs for consumers,” Adebayo said.
He explained that the exercise seeks to establish a fair commercial framework among operators by assessing the costs associated with running telecommunications networks and ensuring that charges for carrying and terminating calls remain sustainable across the industry.
“The regulator is determining what constitutes a fair wholesale rate between operators. If a call originates on one network and terminates on another, there has to be a fair pricing arrangement that reflects operational realities and supports a healthy industry,” he said.
The ALTON chairman added that the review also covers international voice traffic, particularly calls originating outside Nigeria and terminating on local networks, with the aim of ensuring that charges remain reflective of market conditions and industry costs.
Industry operators maintain that such reviews are necessary to preserve the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications sector, especially as operators continue to invest heavily in network infrastructure, capacity expansion and service quality improvements.
Adebayo noted that any future consideration of retail tariff adjustments would likely be tied to measurable improvements in network performance, service quality and coverage expansion.
He recalled that previous tariff reviews were accompanied by expectations from government and regulators that operators would strengthen infrastructure, improve customer experience and deepen connectivity across underserved areas.
The telecom industry has repeatedly argued that pricing structures must strike a balance between affordability for consumers and the financial sustainability required to support continued investment in networks and digital infrastructure.
The latest assurance comes against the backdrop of the 50 percent tariff adjustment approved by the NCC in 2025, which led to changes in the pricing of voice, data and other telecom services across the industry.
That review resulted in revised data plans and pricing structures by major operators as they sought to align service charges with rising operational costs.
