NCC Schedules Stakeholders’ Meeting to Discuss Proposed 100% Telecom Tariff Hike
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to hold a crucial stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Thursday to discuss the proposed 100 percent hike in telecom tariffs. The meeting will bring together representatives from major consumer advocacy groups, telecom operators, and other relevant stakeholders to deliberate on the potential implications of the price increase.
Adeolu Ogungbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) and a vocal critic of the proposal, confirmed the development .“I had previously mentioned the need for the NCC to engage in discussions about this issue. Yesterday, I was invited to the meeting, and it will take place on Thursday in Abuja at 2 pm,” Ogungbanjo revealed.
Telecom operators, including major players in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, have submitted a formal proposal to the NCC requesting a 100 percent hike in tariffs. The proposal, which is awaiting final approval from the NCC, argues that the hike is necessary to address rising operational costs, such as escalating fuel prices and the depreciation of the naira.
The proposal has raised concerns among consumer rights groups, particularly NATCOMS, which warn that the increase could place further financial strain on Nigeria’s already economically burdened population. Sola Ajulo, President of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, also confirmed the scheduled meeting during an appearance on Arise TV. Ajulo highlighted the importance of the meeting in shaping the future of telecom pricing in Nigeria.
“It is crucial that all stakeholders are present and agree on the terms, as this will determine whether the government will approve the price increase and under what conditions,” Ajulo said. While acknowledging the economic challenges facing the telecom sector, she stressed the need for a balanced approach to any potential increase. Ajulo suggested that a 100 percent hike—or even a 40 percent increase—might be too steep and proposed that a more gradual and reasonable solution should be explored.
Earlier reports from The PUNCH revealed that mobile operators have agreed to direct the revenue from the proposed tariff increase into substantial upgrades to network infrastructure and improved service quality. This agreement is a significant condition for the operators as they await final approval from the NCC. As part of this agreement, the NCC will oversee the implementation of the planned infrastructure improvements to ensure that telecom companies meet the requirements.
The outcome of Thursday’s meeting will be crucial in determining the fate of the proposed tariff hike, with stakeholders aiming to find a solution that balances the needs of both the telecom sector and Nigerian consumers.
