Nigerians may soon face a rise in telecom service costs, with 1GB of data potentially increasing to N560 due to a proposed tariff adjustment.
During a recent TV appearance, Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, revealed that telecom operators were pushing for a 100% tariff hike.
However, the government is considering an increase of 30-60%. He emphasized that the proposed hike would be lower than what the operators had initially requested.
If approved at 60%, phone call rates would increase from N11 to N17.6 per minute, SMS charges would rise from N4 to N6.4, and the cost of 1GB of data would jump from N350 to N560.
Telecom operators have argued for tariff hikes due to rising operational costs driven by inflation, naira devaluation, and an unstable economy. MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, disclosed that telecom companies were seeking a 100% increase, but it remains uncertain whether the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry regulator, will approve the request.
However, Tijani cautioned that such an increase could harm citizens who rely heavily on telecom services. “This sector is crucial for the growth of our country, and a 100% increase would be detrimental to our people,” he said.
The minister stressed that the government is working to balance the needs of both Nigerians and telecom companies, ensuring continued investment in the sector.
Airtel Nigeria’s media spokesperson, Femi Adeniran, speaking on behalf of CEO Dinesh Balsingh, also stated that the tariff adjustments were necessary to offset rising operational and capital costs.
He emphasized that these adjustments were essential for the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector while delivering benefits to consumers.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, mentioned that while operators requested a 100% tariff increase, it is unlikely to be approved.
He noted that the final percentage would be announced after ongoing consultations with stakeholders, within a week or two.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has rejected the proposed tariff increase, calling it “insensitive” and a further strain on consumers already facing economic hardship.
NATCOMS President Adeolu Ogunbanjo announced plans to file a class-action lawsuit if operators implement the increase without exploring alternative revenue generation options.
