- The Nigerian Communications Commission has approved tariff adjustments, marking the first rate change since 2013
- Operators are granted a maximum 50% tariff increase to address rising operational costs
- The NCC ensures fairness and transparency while balancing consumer protection with industry sustainability
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially approved tariff adjustments for network operators in response to rising operational costs, marking the first change in rates since 2013.
In a statement released on Monday, January 20, and signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the NCC confirmed that the adjustments will allow for a maximum increase of 50% to current tariffs.
This is significantly lower than the over 100% hike that some telecom operators had originally requested.
The decision comes as the commission exercises its authority under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003.
The NCC also clarified that the new tariffs will remain within the bounds established by its 2013 Cost Study, ensuring that operators do not exceed the limits set at that time.
“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,” the statement noted.
“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.”
The NCC emphasised that the last tariff adjustment took place over a decade ago, with rates having remained unchanged since 2013, despite rising operational costs faced by telecom operators.
The approved adjustment is seen as a necessary step to address the growing gap between the rising costs of operation and current tariffs, while ensuring that service delivery to consumers remains unaffected.
The statement further highlighted that the tariff adjustments would support long-term investment in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services, better network quality, and broader coverage.
The NCC’s decision was reached after extensive consultations with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The commission has made it clear that while it recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses, it is committed to balancing consumer protection with the need to ensure industry sustainability.
As part of the approved adjustment, telecom operators are required to implement the new rates transparently and provide clear information to consumers about the changes.
Additionally, they must demonstrate measurable improvements in service delivery to justify the tariff increases.
“Recognising the concerns of the public, this decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. The NCC has prioritised striking a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry, including the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem,” the statement added.
In addition to improving service quality, the NCC reiterated its commitment to fostering a resilient and inclusive telecommunications sector.
It stressed that the tariff adjustments would help support the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy by ensuring the long-term viability of the industry.
This tariff adjustment comes at a time when many Nigerians are already dealing with rising costs of living.
NCC approves disconnection of Exchange Telecoms from MTN Nigeria over unpaid charges
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) sanctioned the disconnection of Exchange Telecoms from MTN Nigeria due to unpaid interconnect charges.
According to the report, Exchange Telecoms failed to provide satisfactory explanations for its inability to pay the charges.
