By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Federal Government has announced a proposal for a hike in telecommunications tariffs ranging from 30 to 60 per cent.
The federal government’s announcement comes in response to demands from telecom operators for a 100% increase following reports of rising operational costs, inflation, and other economic pressures.
However, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, who spoke during an interview with Channels TV, said that the government has opted for what he described as a “more moderate increase” to balance the sustainability of the telecom sector while keeping services affordable for Nigerians.
Tijani explained that the proposal followed a review process involving consultations and engagements, with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
He added that the government’s aim is not only to ensure the sector’s long-term viability but also to improve service delivery.
He also assured that post-tariff hike consumers would experience better service quality and that operators would be held accountable for any disruptions.
He said: “The telecommunications sector contributes over 16 per cent to our GDP, employs thousands of Nigerians, and is essential to the nation’s digital economy. However, it is crucial to ensure that services remain accessible while maintaining the sector’s viability.
“To address connectivity challenges in underserved areas, the government is deploying 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic networks and building telecom towers in remote regions through Special Purpose Vehicles, SPVs.”
Tijani also addressed Nigeria’s leadership in global telecommunications infrastructure resilience, citing recent efforts to manage submarine cable disruptions.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to harmonizing taxes and declaring telecom infrastructure as a critical national asset.
Assuring Nigerians of improved service delivery, the minister said operators would be held accountable for disruptions.
“We are implementing measures to ensure swift resolutions to service interruptions and better experiences for consumers.
“We are committed to ensuring meaningful connectivity for all Nigerians—25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas—while fostering a sustainable environment for private and public investments,” he said.
