The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has strongly condemned the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) alleged approval of a proposed 40% increase in telecommunications tariffs, calling it a severe burden on consumers already grappling with rising costs of living.
In an emergency meeting held on Tuesday, the association issued a communiqué declaring that the NCC had silently acquiesced to demands from telecom operators for a significant tariff hike. Despite the lack of an official statement from the NCC, NATCOMS claims that the new rates would substantially increase the cost of essential telecom services across the country.
“The proposed tariff hike will impose an additional burden on millions of Nigerians who already face the financial strain of everyday survival,” said Adeolu Ogunbanjo, the National President of NATCOMS, in the communiqué. “Under the new tariffs, voice call rates will rise from N11 to N15.40 per minute, SMS charges will increase from N4 to N5.60, and data bundles will jump from N1,000 to N1,400 for just 1GB,” Ogunbanjo explained.
The association believes the price hike, which would also include a 12.5% tax rate, could price two-thirds of Nigeria’s telecom subscribers out of the market. “This hike will make essential digital services unaffordable for millions, especially when many Nigerians are still recovering from the ongoing economic downturn,” Ogunbanjo added.
NATCOMS argues that the telecom sector’s rising operational costs, driven by taxes, levies, and the devaluation of the naira, should not be passed on to consumers. “We understand that operators face challenges such as the depreciation of the naira and additional taxes, but we believe there are other means for operators to meet their financial obligations,” said Bayo Omotubora, the National Secretary of NATCOMS. “For example, they can turn to the Nigerian Stock Exchange to raise the necessary funds, rather than burdening the already overstretched consumer base.”
The association has called on the NCC to urgently reconsider its decision, which it describes as an infringement on the rights of Nigerian telecom subscribers. “The NCC has a statutory duty to protect the interests of consumers, and this proposed tariff hike is a direct violation of that mandate,” said Ogunbanjo. “We are asking the Commission to nullify the hike and engage with stakeholders to find more viable solutions.”
The proposed tariff hikes are not the only concern for Nigerian telecom users. The introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) increase from 5% to 7.5% in 2019 has already strained many consumers, particularly those in lower-income brackets. NATCOMS members have reported cutting back on mobile data and voice services due to the additional financial burden.
“This hike in telecom tariffs is just one more hardship in a long list of challenges that Nigerians are facing. We are already paying higher prices for basic goods and services, and now we are expected to pay even more for telecom services. This is simply unacceptable,” stated Ogunbanjo.
In its statement, the association urged the NCC to be more sensitive to the current socio-economic realities faced by Nigerian citizens. “Telecom services have become an essential part of life for Nigerians—whether for business, education, or staying connected with loved ones. Imposing such a steep increase will alienate many subscribers, especially those in rural areas who rely on affordable telecom options,” Ogunbanjo said.
While the NCC has yet to issue an official statement regarding the tariff hikes, sources close to the Commission have suggested that the proposed increases are meant to address the rising operational costs of telecom companies. Operators have repeatedly argued that there has been no tariff adjustment in over a decade, and the costs of equipment, regulatory levies, and the naira’s depreciation have placed a significant financial burden on the sector.
However, NATCOMS remains adamant that telecom operators should explore other avenues for addressing their financial needs, rather than shifting the burden to consumers. “We do not believe that a tariff hike is the only solution. Operators need to explore alternative revenue generation methods that will not harm consumers,” Omotubora stressed.
The ongoing debate over telecom tariff hikes comes at a time when Nigerians are already grappling with a multitude of economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and a devaluation of the national currency. These issues have strained household budgets, leaving many Nigerians struggling to meet basic needs.
As the situation continues to unfold, NATCOMS is planning a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the potential consequences of the telecom tariff hikes. The association hopes to garner public support for its efforts to persuade the NCC to reverse the decision. “We will not sit idly by while Nigerians are forced to pay more for essential services,” Ogunbanjo declared.
The NCC, when contacted for a response, urged the public to disregard rumors about the tariff increase and assured that an official statement would be issued soon to clarify the situation. “All matters regarding telecom tariffs are still under review, and the Commission will provide further details once a final decision has been made,” an NCC representative said.
For now, the controversy over telecom tariff hikes continues to simmer, with many Nigerians uncertain about the future of their telecom services. The outcome of this debate could have far-reaching implications, not only for consumers but also for the broader Nigerian economy, which relies heavily on the telecommunications sector for economic development and connectivity.