Nigerians may soon face an increase in the cost of telecom services, with the price of 1GB of data potentially rising to ₦560 under a proposed tariff adjustment.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this during a recent appearance on national television, revealing that while telecom operators are pushing for a 100 per cent tariff hike, the government is considering an increment of between 30 and 60 per cent.
Tijani explained that the proposed increase is aimed at striking a balance between protecting citizens and ensuring the sustainability of the telecommunications sector.
He noted that a 100 per cent hike, as requested by operators, would be detrimental to Nigerians who heavily rely on telecom services.
If the maximum 60 per cent increase is approved, the cost of phone calls could rise from ₦11 to ₦17.6 per minute, SMS charges could increase from ₦4 to ₦6.4, and 1GB of data could jump from ₦350 to ₦560.
Telecom operators have attributed their call for a tariff hike to rising operational costs caused by inflation, naira devaluation, and an unstable economic environment.
MTN Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, stressed that the proposed increase is necessary to maintain the industry’s financial viability.
Similarly, Airtel Nigeria, through its media spokesperson, Femi Adeniran, emphasised that the adjustments are aimed at addressing the economic realities of rising operational and capital expenses while continuing to deliver benefits to consumers.
The Nigerian Communications Commission, led by Executive Vice-Chairman Aminu Maida, confirmed that operators had requested a 100 per cent hike but indicated that such a drastic increase is unlikely to be approved.
Maida disclosed that ongoing consultations with stakeholders would determine the final decision, which is expected to be announced within weeks.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the proposed tariff adjustments, describing them as insensitive and burdensome for consumers already struggling with economic challenges.
The association’s president, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, warned that the group might pursue legal action if the operators proceed with the hike without exploring alternative revenue-generating measures.
As deliberations continue, Nigerians await the outcome of the government’s decision on the proposed tariff increase and its implications for everyday communication costs.