Nigeria’s telecom industry is on the brink of a significant change, with the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) approving a hike in telecom tariffs after 11 years of maintaining the same rates. The new pricing structure will see call rates increase from ₦11 to ₦15.40 per minute, a 40% jump, while SMS charges will rise from ₦4 to ₦5.60 per message. Additionally, 1GB of data will now cost ₦1,400, up from ₦1,000.
This tariff hike comes on the heels of complaints from major telecom operators like MTN Nigeria, Airtel, and 9Mobile, who have struggled with inflation and rising operational costs due to foreign exchange volatility and poor power supply. The NCC’s approval is aimed at supporting the telecom industry’s sustainability, attracting more investment, and improving service quality.
However, this move raises concerns about the impact on Nigerian consumers, particularly low-income earners, who may struggle to afford the increased rates. With Nigeria’s food inflation at 39.93%, high house rents, and a contracting economy, many Nigerians may be denied the opportunity to stay connected and do business at an affordable cost. The telecom industry plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economy, catering to internet subscriptions, mobile payments, and making calls, and any increase in tariffs may exacerbate the digital divide.
Ubong Usoro
