Nigerian telecom subscribers oppose tariff hike plan
The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has officially rejected a proposed increase in telecommunication tariffs in Nigeria.
This decision was made during an emergency meeting held on December 31, 2024, where the association expressed strong objections to the planned hike, which would see tariffs rise by approximately 40%.
The telecom operators are however seeking a 100% tariff hike, according to the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday .
The proposed increases include raising the cost of voice calls from N11.00 to N15.40 per minute, text messages from N4.00 to N5.60, and data prices from N1,000 to N1,400 for one gigabyte.
Reasons for rejection
In the communique jointly signed by NATCOMS’ president, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo and the national secretary, Bayo Omotubora respectively the association said the new increment would be one additional burden too many for Nigerian telecom users.
NATCOMS described the tariff increase as “insensitive” and detrimental to consumers who are already facing economic hardships due to rising inflation and currency depreciation in Nigeria.
READ ALSO: MTN, other telecom operators seek 100% tariff hike, await Nigerian govt’s approval
The association emphasized that many citizens are struggling with the current costs of goods and services, making any additional financial burden from telecom services particularly challenging.
The rejection also stems from concerns about the cumulative impact of various taxes imposed on telecom services.
NATCOMS highlighted a specific excise duty introduced by the 2020 Finance Act, which has faced public backlash and is currently under legal challenge. They argue that these financial pressures have forced many subscribers to reduce their telecommunications usage.
Alternative solutions
In light of these challenges, NATCOMS urged telecom operators to explore alternative funding methods rather than increasing tariffs. One suggestion included listing their companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange to generate necessary funds while remaining aligned with consumer interests.
The association’s communique concluded with a warning that if these tariff increases were implemented, it could lead to two-thirds of telecom service subscribers being priced out of the market. This situation would violate the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) responsibility to protect consumer interests.
NATCOMS said it remains committed to advocating for affordable and accessible telecommunications services in Nigeria and has called upon both the NCC and telecom operators to reconsider their approach regarding tariff adjustments.
