NCWGG Plans to Challenge NLC’s February 4 Protest on Telecom Tariff Hike ABUJA – The Nigeria Citizen Watch for Good Governance (NCWGG) has declared its intention to mobilize against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in response to the planned nationwide protest on February 4, 2025, against the recent telecommunications tariff increase. The group argues that the NLC’s opposition to the hike is counterproductive and could harm the country’s economic stability. NCWGG Supports Telecom Tariff Increase In a statement released on Thursday, Collins Eshiofeh Idowu, President of NCWGG, defended the decision by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to approve up to a 50% increase in telecom service charges. According to him, this adjustment is vital for sustaining the telecommunications sector, which is a major contributor to employment and economic growth. He criticized the NLC’s stance, stressing that the union had failed to consider the challenges telecom operators face, including rising operational costs. He warned that rejecting the price adjustment could destabilize the sector, leading to job losses and disruptions in communication services. “NLC’s Protest is an Economic Sabotage” – NCWGG The group strongly opposed the planned protest, describing it as unnecessary and harmful to Nigeria’s economic interests. “Did the Labour Congress consider the millions of jobs that rely on a stable telecom industry? What happens if telecom operators can no longer afford to sustain their services? If Nigerians are unable to make calls or access the internet, it would cripple economic activities,” the statement read. Furthermore, NCWGG accused the NLC of acting against the interests of Nigerians and the administration of President Bola Tinubu by failing to recognize the long-term benefits of the tariff adjustment. NCWGG Mobilizes Against NLC Protest Declaring its readiness to counter any anti-tariff demonstrations, NCWGG vowed to mobilize its members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The group maintained that allowing the tariff increase would help modernize Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, meet the increasing demand for data services, and ensure high-quality, uninterrupted telecommunications for Nigerians. “This increase is necessary to protect the telecommunications industry, enhance service delivery, and drive economic progress. We will not allow economic instability to be created by uninformed protests,” NCWGG concluded. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The NCC has approved a telecom tariff increase in Nigeria. Here are 7 key facts about the price adjustment, its impact, and what consumers should expect in terms of service quality and competition. Introduction The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved an adjustment in telecom tariffs, allowing service providers to modify their pricing. This change has sparked discussions among consumers and industry stakeholders. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest telecom tariff review and its implications. 1. NCC Approves a 50% Tariff Adjustment The NCC has granted telecom operators the right to increase their tariff rates by up to 50% within the limits of an existing price band set in 2013. However, operators are not obligated to implement the full 50% hike—they may opt for a smaller increase. It’s important to note that Nigeria operates a liberalized telecom market, meaning competition will continue to play a role in regulating prices. Historically, competitive forces have driven prices lower, such as when call rates dropped below ₦50 per minute, and per-second billing was introduced. Similarly, as economic conditions improve, competition may help stabilize or even reduce tariffs in the future. 2. NCC’s Regulatory Power on Tariffs The Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) of 2003, particularly Section 108, mandates that all telecom operators obtain approval from the NCC before implementing any tariff changes. This law prevents arbitrary pricing by telecom companies and ensures regulatory oversight on service charges. 3. First Tariff Adjustment in Over a Decade The last time the NCC approved a tariff increase was in 2013—over 10 years ago. At that time, Nigeria’s inflation rate stood at 8.5%. Fast forward to today, inflation has skyrocketed to 34.8%, representing a nearly 300% rise. Given this economic shift, telecom operators argue that an adjustment is necessary to maintain service quality. 4. Rising Operational Costs in the Telecom Industry The telecom industry is one of Nigeria’s largest consumers of diesel, spending approximately ₦40 billion per month to power over 30,000 cell towers nationwide. These towers require round-the-clock electricity to ensure seamless network coverage. Additionally, telecoms depend heavily on foreign exchange (FX) for imported equipment, with no locally available alternatives. Back in 2013, both the dollar exchange rate and diesel prices were under ₦200. Today, both have exceeded ₦1,000, putting immense pressure on operational costs. No industry can maintain constant prices in the face of such drastic cost increases. 5. NCC Limits Tariff Hike Despite Higher Operator Requests Telecom providers initially sought a 100% tariff increase, but the NCC approved only 50%. In exchange, the commission has pledged to strictly monitor service quality and enforce compliance. To hold operators accountable, NCC has revised its regulations to impose heavier fines for poor service delivery. Consumers can now expect stricter enforcement against call drop issues, poor internet quality, and other service-related complaints. 6. Transparent Communication of New Tariff Plans The NCC has mandated that telecom operators clearly disclose their new tariff structures. Under the “Tariff Simplification Guidance”, all charges must be transparent, with no hidden costs or misleading plans. This regulation ensures that consumers fully understand what they are paying for without unexpected deductions or confusing pricing models. 7. Telecom Operators Must Now Deliver Better Services With increased tariffs come higher expectations. Leading telecom companies like MTN, Airtel, and 9Mobile have committed to investing in new infrastructure to enhance service quality. Now that they have more funds, there is no excuse for poor network performance. Nigerians deserve better call quality, faster internet speeds, and improved network coverage. The NCC has also been urged to encourage greater competition within the industry, which will help keep prices reasonable and ensure consumers get value for their money. Conclusion The telecom tariff adjustment is a response to rising operational costs, inflation, and foreign exchange challenges. While a price hike may seem unfavorable to consumers, it is expected to improve service delivery in the long run. The NCC has assured the public that operators will be closely monitored and held accountable for maintaining high-quality services. As Nigeria’s economic conditions evolve, competition and regulatory oversight will play a crucial role in shaping the future of telecom pricing. Stay informed, compare tariff plans, and choose the best options that suit your needs. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
