Telecom operators’ demand to adjust tariff rate has been granted as the Nigerian Communications Commission approved their request in response to rising operational costs.
This development, which allows for a maximum of 50% adjustment to current tariffs, was announced in a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, on Monday, January 20, 2024.
The NCC said the adjustment is in line with Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, adding that the new tariffs would remain within the limits outlined in its 2013 Cost Study.
The commission also said the adjustments will adhere to its 2024 Guidance on Tariff Simplification.
The statement reads in part, “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.”
According to the commission, the adjustment was necessary to sustain investment in infrastructure and innovation through improved services, better network quality, and wider coverage.
“This decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors,” Muoka said.
While acknowledging the economic pressure Nigerians are facing, the commission urged operators to implement the new rates transparently and improve their service delivery.