Dr Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy
Telecom Tariffs to Increase Soon, But Not by 100% – Minister Tijani
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has disclosed that telecom tariffs in Nigeria will soon increase, though not by the 100% proposed by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
Speaking after a stakeholders’ meeting with MNOs in Abuja, Tijani noted that consultations and engagements are ongoing. He assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would finalize and announce the new tariffs soon.
“You have seen over the past weeks that some companies have been agitating for a 100% tariff increase,” Tijani said. “But it will not be by 100%. The NCC will soon provide a clear directive on how we will proceed. As a government, we aim to balance protecting the people with ensuring companies can continue investing significantly.”
The minister emphasized the need for better regulation and infrastructure investments to support the growth of the telecommunications sector, noting that the government would no longer rely solely on private companies for infrastructure development.
“We don’t want this conversation to be just about tariff increases,” he added. “The global focus is on meaningful connectivity—ensuring people have access to quality services. Consumers may not realize the investment required in infrastructure to deliver these services.”
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, reaffirmed that the proposed 100% tariff hike is unlikely to be approved. He said further stakeholder engagements are ongoing, with an official announcement expected within a week or two.
Maida also highlighted the need for simplified billing systems, urging MNOs to adopt transparent templates for voice, SMS, and data charges.
Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, represented by Femi Adeniran, emphasized the necessity of tariff adjustments to cope with rising operational and capital costs. He stated that the move is crucial for sustaining the sector and delivering quality connectivity.
“This adjustment is aimed at ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability while unlocking significant benefits for Nigerian consumers,” Balsingh said.