MTN Nigeria and other major telecom operators are appealing to the Federal Government to revisit its pricing policies to allow for tariff increases.
The companies argued that the current economic climate, including high inflation and currency fluctuations, has put significant pressure on their operations.
Despite adjustments in the petroleum and electricity sectors, telecom companies claimed they have not been granted similar leeway for over a decade.
The telecommunications sector, which contributes 16% to Nigeria’s GDP, faces rising costs due to its dependence on foreign exchange for equipment imports.
Industry leaders warned that without the ability to adjust tariffs in line with economic realities, the sector’s growth and sustainability are at risk.
They cautioned that neglecting this issue could lead to a slowdown in investment, similar to what has been seen in the oil sector.
The plea was made during a panel discussion at the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, where business leaders stressed the importance of creating a fair and competitive environment for telecommunications to thrive.
