BREAKING NEWS: Glo, MTN, Others to Increase Tariffs by 100%

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a recent stakeholders’ meeting with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Telecom Service Providers in Abuja, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, revealed that the federal government is unlikely to approve the proposed 100% increase in telecom tariffs.

The MNOs had requested this significant hike, but Tijani emphasized that the government is committed to striking a balance between protecting consumers and ensuring that telecom companies can continue to invest in the sector.

According to Tijani, the government is still reviewing the proposal and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will soon announce new tariffs. He highlighted the need for effective regulations and strategies to drive growth, create jobs, and support other key sectors in the country. The minister also noted that the government will invest in communication infrastructure, moving away from relying solely on private sector investments.

The government is still reviewing the proposal and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will soon announce new tariffs

NCC Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, echoed Tijani’s sentiments, stating that the meeting with stakeholders was focused on the sustainability of the industry. Maida assured that the NCC has revised its quality of service regulations and urged MNOs to comply with simplified templates to show Nigerians charges per minute for voice calls, SMS, and data.

The Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, supported the proposed tariff increments, citing the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector while unlocking benefits for Nigerian consumers. However, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the proposed increase, describing it as “insensitive” and a further burden on consumers already grappling with economic hardship.

The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the proposed increase, describing it as “insensitive

As the telecom industry continues to navigate these challenges, one thing is clear: the fate of the sector in 2025 will be shaped by tariff conversations. With the regulator set to approve increases, consumers can only hope that the government will strike a balance between protecting their interests and ensuring the sustainability of the industry.