REPS INSTRUCT NCC, MINISTER TO HALT TELECOM TARIFF INCREASE
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On Tuesday, the House of Representatives instructed the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to delay the planned increase in telecommunications tariffs until there is an improvement in services.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance presented by Oforji Oboku during the plenary session.
Oboku highlighted that, during a stakeholders’ meeting with Mobile Network Operators in Abuja on January 8, 2025, Tijani revealed that telecommunications tariffs would soon rise.
The lawmaker pointed out that telecom companies justified the hike by citing reasons such as the need for investment, better network quality, and the growing demand for digital services in sectors like education, banking, and healthcare.
Oboku reminded the House that telecom companies had been pushing for the increase for over 11 years, as reported by the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).
He further noted that the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers had rejected the proposed tariff increase, calling it insensitive and an additional burden on consumers already struggling with economic difficulties and poor network services.
The lawmaker also acknowledged that, while telecom operators require cost-reflective tariffs due to economic challenges, including a 34.6% inflation rate in November 2024 and foreign exchange losses, the proposed hike was still contentious.
“It is imperative that the telecommunications companies improve on their service delivery (poor network), which Nigerians have been yearning for in years, before embarking on the increase in their tariffs.”
The lawmaker raised concerns that the widespread impact of these price increases would intensify financial hardships for the average Nigerian, undermine the country’s goal of using technology to boost economic recovery, worsen poverty, and widen existing inequalities, with lower-income families being the most affected.
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Oboku emphasized that affordable connectivity is essential for progress in vital sectors such as digital banking, education, healthcare, agriculture, and e-governance.
After a debate, the House resolved: “To urge the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communications Commissions to suspend the impending hike in telecommunications tariffs until their service improved.”
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