The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has ruled out a 100% tariff increase for telecom operators, citing its potential harm to consumers.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Tijani acknowledged that a tariff review is necessary due to rising operational costs, inflation, and naira devaluation but insisted that any increase would likely range between 30% and 60%.
He stressed that the telecom sector is vital for economic growth, and a full 100% hike, as proposed by telecom companies, would burden Nigerians.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is still reviewing the request to balance sector sustainability and public welfare.
MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola, recently defended the 100% hike, citing industry-wide financial pressures.
However, Tijani reaffirmed the government’s stance against such a steep increase, promising a more measured approach.
