The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has confirmed an impending increase in telecom tariffs, though it will not reach the 100 per cent hike proposed by operators. Tijani made this announcement during an interview on Wednesday, as shared by Channels TV on X (formerly Twitter).
Recall that Telecom operators had earlier submitted a proposal to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), citing surging operational costs, inflation, and higher service delivery expenses as reasons for the 100 per cent tariff increase. The proposal is currently under government review.
However, addressing journalists after a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, the minister raised the need for fair regulation to ensure the sustainable growth of the telecommunications sector. He stressed that while operators face economic challenges, consumer affordability remains a priority.
“The verdict is that tariffs will increase, but not by 100 per cent,” Tijani explained.
He added that a commissioned study on the matter is being reviewed to guide the NCC’s decision.
The NCC is expected to release directives in the coming weeks that aim to balance the industry’s economic realities with consumer protection, ensuring that the telecom sector continues to thrive despite global inflationary pressures.
