“Nigerian telecom tariffs are set to rise, but not by 100%. Minister Bosun Tijani clarifies ongoing NCC consultations to balance consumer protection and industry growth. Telecom Tariffs Set to Rise, But Not by 100% – Minister Clarifies Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has announced an impending increase in telecom tariffs but assured the public it will not reach the 100% hike proposed by mobile network operators (MNOs). Following a stakeholder meeting with MNOs in Abuja, Tijani emphasized that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is still in consultations and will announce the adjusted rates soon. NCC to Approve a Balanced Tariff Adjustment The minister clarified that while some telecom companies have requested a 100% tariff increase, the NCC will regulate the adjustment to ensure fairness for both consumers and service providers. “We aim to strike a balance—protecting citizens while allowing telecom companies to invest in the sector’s growth,” Tijani stated. He stressed the need for the telecommunications industry to strengthen regulatory frameworks and create an environment that fosters long-term development. Federal Government’s Role in Infrastructure Investment Tijani also highlighted that the government plans to take a more active role in funding infrastructure development rather than leaving it solely to private investors. “In the past, infrastructure investments were left to private companies who prioritized short- to medium-term returns,” he noted. The minister emphasized that the conversation should focus not only on tariff adjustments but also on “meaningful connectivity” — ensuring quality service and expanded coverage across Nigeria. NCC’s Assurance on Service Quality and Transparency The NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, echoed Tijani’s points, stressing the focus on maintaining industry sustainability. Maida assured Nigerians that the exact percentage of the tariff increase would be announced after final consultations, expected within the next two weeks. He also called for simplified billing templates, stating: “We are moving away from complex pricing systems where bonuses and main rates differ, making it hard for Nigerians to track charges. Transparency will be a priority moving forward.” Telecom Operators Justify the Tariff Adjustment Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, represented by media spokesperson Femi Adeniran, explained that rising operational and capital costs have necessitated the proposed tariff adjustments. “Higher tariffs are crucial to maintaining quality service, fostering digital inclusion, and ensuring long-term sustainability of the sector,” Balsingh emphasized. Conclusion While telecom tariffs in Nigeria are set to rise, the federal government and NCC assure the public that the increase will be reasonable and not as high as the 100% requested by service providers. Ongoing stakeholder engagements aim to balance quality service delivery with consumer protection. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a new licensing framework to address challenges within Nigeria’s Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging ecosystem. This step aims to streamline operations and ensure the sector’s sustainable growth. A2P messaging is an essential tool in telecommunications, allowing businesses to send SMS or notifications directly to mobile phones. Widely used for marketing, transactional alerts, and service notifications, A2P messaging is integral to the digital economy. However, Nigeria’s A2P ecosystem has faced significant challenges, such as the lack of unified oversight, revenue leakage, security risks, and market disparities due to unregulated termination rates. These issues have hindered the growth of the sector and created vulnerabilities. Why Regulation is Crucial The NCC’s new licensing framework aims to tackle these challenges by promoting fair competition, standardizing tariffs, and enhancing security against fraud, spam, and unauthorized traffic. The framework will also retain revenue through taxation and levies, providing comprehensive oversight to protect both businesses and consumers. During a virtual stakeholders’ forum on the draft framework, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by Mrs. Chizua Whyte, highlighted the importance of A2P messaging for businesses and consumers. “A2P messaging plays a vital role in today’s digital world. It has become the go-to platform for sending transactional, promotional, and service-related notifications,” Dr. Maida stated. He stressed the need for collaboration among government, consumers, and industry players to foster innovation and ensure a fair and secure environment. Licensing Framework Overview The proposed framework includes key features such as: Benefits of the Framework This initiative is expected to: The NCC is inviting feedback from all stakeholders, including operators, businesses, service providers, and consumers, to finalize the framework. This regulatory move promises to create a robust and secure A2P messaging ecosystem, advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) debunks rumors of a 40% hike in telecom tariffs, clarifying its commitment to stakeholder consultations and consumer interests. NCC Clarifies: No Approval for Telecom Tariff Increase The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has categorically denied recent media claims suggesting it approved a 40% hike in tariffs for telecom services starting January 2025. The disputed report claimed that the alleged tariff increase would lead to charges such as ₦15.40 per minute for calls, ₦5.60 per SMS, and a minimum of ₦1,400 for a 1GB data plan. Concerns were raised over how this supposed price hike might exacerbate the financial strain on Nigerians already facing economic challenges. NCC Refutes Tariff Claims as Fake NewsSpeaking to reporters, an NCC representative dismissed the report as “fake news” and clarified that no such approval had been granted. The commission reiterated that any potential price adjustment would follow a structured process guided by its regulatory framework, as stipulated in the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003. This process involves comprehensive consultations with stakeholders and relies on a cost-based study to determine the economic feasibility of any adjustments. The NCC emphasized that consumer protection remains central to its decision-making. Economic Realities ConsideredThe NCC representative noted that while the commission evaluates macroeconomic factors like inflation and exchange rates, no decision on a tariff increase has been finalized. The NCC board must approve such decisions after engaging in wide-ranging consultations with industry stakeholders. Telecom Operators Push for Tariff AdjustmentsIn recent years, telecom operators have consistently lobbied the NCC for tariff increases, citing rising operational costs. In October 2024, Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), highlighted the economic pressures affecting the industry. During the 93rd Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) in Abuja, themed “Optimising Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry,” Adebayo stressed the need for policies that ensure sustainable service delivery and infrastructure development. Adebayo stated, “For the telecom industry to remain sustainable, Nigerians will likely need to pay more. However, these increases should be implemented cautiously through collaborative efforts with the government and stakeholders.” NCC’s Commitment to TransparencyThe NCC reassures Nigerians that no tariff hike will occur without due process and stakeholder engagement. The public is advised to disregard unverified reports and rely only on official communications from the commission. As the telecom industry navigates economic challenges, the NCC remains committed to balancing the interests of operators and consumers, ensuring quality service delivery while safeguarding affordability. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
