The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for a meeting with telecom operators to discuss the possibility of raising tariffs for calls, data, and other services.
The aim of the meeting is to find a solution that benefits all parties involved.
The telecoms operators earlier argued that tariff hikes are necessary for sustainability and to align with economic realities.
They pointed to sectors like banking and electricity, where costs have increased without consulting end users.
They also revealed that they are actively engaging subscribers to garner support for the proposed tariff increase.
A source said:
“We hope the conversation will be fruitful this time. We had engaged the NCC some years ago and it appeared we were on the same page but the regulator refused to acquiesce to our demand for political reasons. You know telephony is very important to every Nigerian.
“So, the authorities were scared an increase in tariff could backfire. Since the government could remove fuel subsidy and the heavens did not fall, it should allow the operators to increase tariff or else the industry will die. Every other sectors of the economy have hiked services cost.
“The Bankers Committee comprising the chief executive officers of the bank would sit without recourse to anyone, arbitrarily hike lending cost. The tariff on electricity which accounts for 50 per cent of our running cost has been increased without consultation with end users”.
However, the Minister of Communications has advised operators to first consult with customers before moving forward with any adjustments.
Associations representing subscribers are scheduled to meet with telecom operators to discuss the developments and express their concerns.
