The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country’s telecoms regulatory body, has scheduled a crucial stakeholders’ meeting for Thursday in Abuja to discuss the proposed 100% increase in telecom tariffs.
The meeting will bring together key representatives from consumer advocacy groups, telecom operators, and other relevant industry stakeholders to deliberate on the potential impact of this price hike.
Adeolu Ogungbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), a prominent critic of the tariff increase, confirmed the meeting to journalists on Wednesday. “I had previously stated that there is a need for the NCC to engage in discussions and resolve the issue. I was invited to the meeting, and it will be held on Thursday at 2 pm in Abuja,” Ogungbanjo said.
The telecom operators have formally submitted a proposal to the NCC requesting the significant tariff hike, citing rising operational costs, including soaring fuel prices and the devaluation of the naira. While the proposal awaits the NCC’s final approval, the requested increase has sparked concerns among consumer rights groups, including NATCOMS, who argue that it could put additional strain on Nigeria’s financially burdened population.
Sola Ajulo, President of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, also confirmed the scheduled meeting during a televised interview on Wednesday . She underscored the importance of the discussions, stating that the outcome will influence whether the government approves the price hike and under what conditions.
Ajulo acknowledged that a price increase might be unavoidable due to the economic challenges faced by the telecom sector but emphasized that it must be implemented in a way that considers consumers’ welfare. “A 100% increase or even a 40% increase might be too much. It would be more reasonable to ease the increase with conditions that protect consumers,” she stated.
In previous reports, it was noted that mobile operators have committed to using the additional revenue from the proposed tariff hike to fund major network upgrades and improve service quality. This commitment remains a key condition for the telecoms as they await the final decision from the NCC. The outcome of Thursday’s meeting could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of telecom pricing in Nigeria.
