The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval for telecom operators to increase their service tariffs by up to 50%. This decision marks the first tariff adjustment in over a decade, as the previous rates had been in place since 2013.
The commission explained that the move was necessary to address the rising operational costs faced by network providers while ensuring the continued delivery of quality services.
The NCC announced the development in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.
The statement clarified that while some operators had requested over 100% increases, the commission capped the adjustment at 50%, citing the need to balance industry sustainability with consumer protection.
The revised rates are aligned with the tariff bands set in the NCC’s 2013 Cost Study and will adhere to its newly issued 2024 Guidance on Tariff Simplification.
“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.
“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.
“Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators. The approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised,” the statement said.
The NCC noted that the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across the public and private sectors. The commission highlighted its commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in the implementation of the new rates.
“This decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors,” Muoka stated, adding that the commission prioritised balancing consumer protection with industry sustainability.
The statement further explained that the approved tariffs aim to close the gap between rising operational expenses and outdated rates while fostering investment in infrastructure and innovation.
“The NCC recognizes the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments,” Muoka said.
