The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has assured that the Federal Government will not approve a 100% increase in telecom tariffs, despite the rising operational costs faced by service providers.
Telecom operators have repeatedly called for tariff adjustments, citing inflation, naira devaluation, and escalating expenses.
However, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Tijani acknowledged the need for a review but firmly rejected the proposed 100% hike.
“We have made it clear that a 100% increase is off the table,” Tijani said. “While the operators argue this is necessary for sector stability, we believe it would place undue strain on consumers.”
He suggested that a more reasonable adjustment could range between 30% and 60%, as the government works to balance industry sustainability with consumer affordability. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is currently deliberating on the final figure.
Tijani further highlighted the importance of maintaining affordability in the telecom sector, which he described as vital to Nigeria’s economic growth. He also urged telecom operators to continue upgrading their infrastructure to meet growing consumer demands.
In a separate interview, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, revealed that telecom operators are united in their call for a 100% tariff increase.
“We need an adjustment of about 100%, but the government is mindful of the economic pressures on consumers,” Toriola stated during Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
He expressed optimism about a phased tariff adjustment that could help stabilize the sector over time. Toriola also noted that, unlike other sectors such as aviation and power, the telecom industry has yet to implement a tariff increase, despite facing similar economic challenges.
