Following the approval of a 50% arrival hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has tasked telecom operators to improve on service delivery and infrastructural development.
The FCCPC in a statement on Wednesday hailed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for approving a 50% noting that it is a thoughtful effort to balance industry sustainability with consumer protection.
The Commission further revealed that operators are now required to disclose all key details upfront, including the cost, validity period, and the specific inclusions of a plan.
“Consumers have consistently expressed the desire for measurable improvements in the quality of service before any tariff increases are implemented. Issues such as network congestion, dropped calls, inconsistent internet speeds, unusual data depletion, and poor customer service have remained prevalent concerns. It is, therefore, crucial that tariff adjustments directly translate into demonstrable and tangible service enhancements for consumers.
“It is non-negotiable that telecom operators must prioritise visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service as part of any tariff adjustment. The rationale for the increase must be reflected in better services for consumers who rely on telecommunications for both personal and business purposes.
“Operators are expected to allocate increased revenues responsibly, with an emphasis on infrastructure development and service delivery improvements. Clear mechanisms must be established to monitor how these funds are utilised, ensuring that consumers directly benefit from the adjustments,” the statement read.
In a similar vein, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), in a statement by its President, Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, hailed the approval of the NCC.
The association however noted that it is expecting an official document from the NCC which will guide the implementation of the approval.
“We commend the NCC’s collaborative approach and its recognition of industry realities and we eagerly await the release of the official Determination Document as enshrined in the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which will provide the necessary clarity on the specifics of this decision. This document will be instrumental in guiding operators and stakeholders on the implementation of the adjustments and the accompanying expectations,” he said.
Speaking further, the Association further called on the Commission to sustain its engagement with operators to tackle ongoing challenges that hinder their operational efficiency.
Reacting in a statement also, the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Dinesh Balsingh expressed the company’s appreciation of the decision to allow for a tariff increase of up to 50% across services, stated that the development underscores the regulator’s commitment to fostering sustainability and enhance investment in the telecommunications industry for superior service delivery.
According to him, “The tariff adjustment reflects a balanced approach to ensuring the sustainability of the telecommunications sector while safeguarding the interests of consumers,” adding that “the price increase which was highly needed for the survival and continued growth of the industry, will enable us to continue investing in network infrastructure, expanding coverage, and delivering improved products and services that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
“We are confident that this development will pave the way for even greater advancements in telecommunications services across the country. Our focus remains on providing exceptional customer satisfaction while contributing to the long-term sustainability of the industry,” added Balsingh.’