Telecom Employees Union Criticizes 50% Telecom Tariff Increase The National Union of Postal and Telecommunication Employees (NUPTE) has strongly condemned the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs, expressing concerns over its negative impact on Nigerian students and the broader economy. In an official statement, NUPTE President, Comrade Buba Nehemiah, labeled the tariff increase as harmful to national development and detrimental to the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians. The statement highlights: “This excessive increase not only places an unreasonable burden on Nigerians but also threatens the accessibility and affordability of essential telecommunications services, which are vital for communication, work, and economic activities in daily life.” NUPTE, joining the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in opposition, emphasized that this hike will worsen the struggles faced by Nigerians already grappling with rising living costs. “As a Union representing workers in the Postal/Courier and Telecommunications Sectors in Nigeria, we believe this punitive tariff increase undermines the socio-economic well-being of citizens, especially the working-class individuals who rely on affordable telecom services for communication, education, and business,” the statement continued. The tariff hike will particularly burden Nigerians in rural areas, where telecom services are often the only means of connection. NUPTE is calling on the Federal Government to urgently reconsider this decision and engage with key stakeholders—including consumer groups, labor unions, civil society organizations, and telecom operators—to find a more balanced and sustainable solution to telecom tariffs. “The Federal Government must act swiftly to protect the interests of all Nigerians and reverse this tariff hike, which could harm national development and the welfare of our people,” the statement urged. NUPTE reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and well-being of workers in the Postal, Courier, and Telecommunications sectors, ensuring that the voices of the Nigerian people are heard and respected in matters that impact their daily lives. RAED ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
“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.
