The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the request of telecommunications companies (telcos) to increase tariff.
NCC’s approval makes the hike the first since 2013.
In a statement on Monday by Reuben Muoka, the commission’s director, public affairs, NCC said the approval was pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators.
NCC said the tariff adjustment is capped at 50 percent, below the 100 percent requested by the telcos.
According to the regulator, the increase in tariff is in response to prevailing market conditions.
“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability,” the commission said.
“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.
“Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators. The approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised.”
