The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the nation’s telecom regulator, has scheduled a critical stakeholders’ meeting for Thursday in Abuja to address the proposed 100 per cent hike in telecom tariffs.
The meeting will convene representatives from major consumer advocacy groups, telecom operators, and other key industry stakeholders to deliberate on the economic and social implications of the tariff increase.
Confirming the development, the President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), Adeolu Ogungbanjo, expressed optimism about the discussions.
“I had mentioned earlier that there is a need for the NCC to discuss and iron out the issue. Yesterday, I was invited to the meeting, and it will be held on Thursday in Abuja at 2 pm,” Ogungbanjo told The PUNCH on Wednesday.
Telecom operators recently submitted a proposal to the NCC, seeking a 100 per cent increase in tariffs. The operators argue that the hike is necessary to address rising operational costs driven by escalating fuel prices and the depreciation of the naira.
While the NCC is yet to approve the proposal, the request has sparked significant concern among consumer rights groups, including NATCOMS, which fear the increase could place additional financial pressure on Nigeria’s already struggling population.
Sola Ajulo, President of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), also confirmed the meeting during an appearance on Arise TV. Ajulo described the discussions as pivotal for determining the future of telecom pricing in the country.
“It’s crucial that all stakeholders are present and agree on the terms, as this will determine whether the government will approve a price increase and under what conditions,” she said.
Ajulo acknowledged the economic challenges facing telecom operators but stressed the importance of ensuring that any tariff adjustments remain fair and considerate of consumers’ welfare.
“A 100 per cent or even a 40 per cent increase may be too steep. Easing the tariff increase with measurable conditions could be a more reasonable solution,” she suggested.
It was reported earlier reported that telecom operators have agreed to allocate the revenue from the proposed hike to improve network infrastructure and service quality. This condition, according to industry sources, is part of ongoing discussions with the government and the NCC to secure approval for the tariff adjustment.
The outcome of Thursday’s meeting will play a critical role in shaping the trajectory of Nigeria’s telecom sector and its impact on consumers nationwide.
