MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and other telecom operators are advocating for a 100% increase in tariffs for calls, data, and SMS to address sustainability challenges in the industry.
MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, shared this during an interview on Arise TV, emphasizing that the telecom sector is under significant financial strain due to inflation and currency devaluation. “We believe a 100% adjustment is needed, though the government may approve a phased approach to ease the burden on consumers,” Toriola stated.
He noted that while other sectors, such as aviation and power, have adjusted their prices, the telecom industry remains constrained by regulatory pricing caps, despite being among the lowest globally in terms of data and voice tariffs.
Toriola highlighted that increased tariffs would ensure sustainability by enabling continued investments in network capacity, resilience, and power systems to improve service quality.
This proposal follows years of advocacy by the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), who argue that rising operational costs necessitate a tariff review.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which regulates telecom pricing, is conducting a cost-based study to evaluate the need for adjustments. Operators remain hopeful for regulatory approval to address escalating economic pressures.
Key Points:
- Telecom operators propose a 100% tariff increase to counter operational cost challenges.
- Rising inflation and naira devaluation have significantly impacted the industry.
- Regulatory constraints currently prevent price adjustments without NCC approval.
- Increased tariffs aim to sustain investments and improve service quality for Nigerians.
