Telecom operators in Nigeria are set to implement a new tariff structure following the approval of their requests for adjustments by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This decision, announced on January 20, 2025, has sparked a mix of reactions across the country as households and businesses prepare for higher costs amid economic pressures.
The NCC, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, explained that the adjustment is necessary to address the widening gap between rising operational costs and stagnant tariffs.
According to the statement, “Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators.”
The approved adjustment, capped at 50%, is far lower than the over 100% increase requested by some operators, reflecting the Commission’s efforts to balance consumer protection with industry sustainability.
Telecom operators, including MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile, had repeatedly called for tariff increases over the past year, citing the rising cost of operations driven by inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and the increased cost of diesel and network maintenance.
Industry insiders noted that the telecom sector has absorbed these rising costs for years, leaving operators with thinning profit margins that threaten their ability to maintain and expand services.
