Tariff Increase capped at 50%: NCC rejects operators’ bid for 100% hike
January 20, 2025
By Adedoja Adesoji
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval for telecom operators to adjust their tariffs in response to prevailing market conditions.
This was contained in a press statement signed the Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, made available to The Yoruba Times on Monday, January 20, 2025.
The approved adjustment is capped at a maximum of 50% of current tariffs, lower than the over 100% requested by some network operators.
According to the NCC, the adjustment aims to address the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs, ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised. The Commission recognized that tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite increasing operational costs faced by telecom operators.
The NCC emphasized that the approved adjustment will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity.
This includes better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage.
As stated by the NCC, “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.”
The Commission prioritized striking a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry.
The NCC remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments on Nigerian households and businesses.
The approved tariff adjustment will be implemented in strict adherence to the NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024, and will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study.
Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, following the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews.