Subscribers kick as NCC okays 50% tariff hike

Due to the 50 per cent hike in end-user tariffs approved for service providers by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerians are to pay more for data, calls and Short Message Service (SMS).

The nod, which was half of the Mobile Network Operators’ (MNOs’) demand, came shortly after a virtual meeting of Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (IACF), which is an advisory body of the NCC.

The meeting, which had in attendance the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, began at 10.30am and lasted till 12.25pm.

But, subscribers kicked against the hike, which they described as an overkill.

The increase followed a persistent push by MNOs and other stakeholders for the government to consider the inflation rates in the country and give approval for 100 per cent adjustment of the tariff on data, calls and SMS messages.

NCC said it granted the approval “pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators.

“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.”

In a pushback, both the Association of Cable Tvs, Internet and Telecom Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS-Nigeria) and the National Association of Telecom Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMS) outright rejected the hike, describing it as insensitive to the plight of struggling Nigerians whose fortunes had declined owing to soaring inflation and fuel subsidy removal.

NATCOMS has resolved to file a fresh suit in court to challenge the “outrageous” hike. They blamed minister Tijani for approving the 50 per cent hike.

A statement by NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, said: “Adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews.

“It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.

“Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators. The approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised.

“These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage.

“Recognising the concerns of the public, this decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

“The NCC has prioritised striking a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry, including the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem.

“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.

“Additionally, the NCC reaffirms its dedication to fostering a resilient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications sector.

“Beyond protecting consumers, the Commission’s actions are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, support indigenous vendors and suppliers, and promote the overall growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“As a regulator, the NCC will continue to engage with stakeholders to create a telecommunications environment that works for everyone—one that protects consumers, supports operators, and sustains the ecosystem that drives connectivity across the nation.”

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