By DAYO ADESULU
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has organized a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja for Thursday to deliberate on the proposed 100% increase in telecom tariffs. The meeting, set for 2 PM, aims to bring together representatives from major consumer advocacy groups, telecom operators, and other industry stakeholders to discuss the implications of the controversial price hike.
Stakeholders React to Proposal
Adeolu Ogungbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), confirmed his invitation to the meeting. Ogungbanjo has been vocal against the proposed hike, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to mitigate its impact on financially strained consumers.
Similarly, Sola Ajulo, President of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, highlighted the critical nature of the discussions during an appearance on Arise TV.
“It’s crucial that all stakeholders are present and agree on the terms, as this will determine whether the government will approve a price increase and under what conditions,” Ajulo said.
She acknowledged the economic pressures facing telecom operators but warned that steep increases could severely impact consumers.
“A 100% or even a 40% increase may be too steep. Easing the tariff increase with measurable conditions could be a more reasonable solution.”
Reasons Behind the Proposal
Telecom operators, who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy, argue that the proposed hike is necessary to address rising operational costs driven by:
- Surging fuel prices.
- The depreciation of the naira.
- Escalating costs of maintaining and upgrading telecom infrastructure.
The operators have pledged to use the additional revenue for major network upgrades and service quality improvements, a condition reportedly agreed upon in discussions with the NCC.
Consumer Advocacy Concerns
Consumer rights groups, including NATCOMS and other stakeholders, have expressed concerns over the financial strain a significant price hike could impose on Nigerians. Advocacy groups have called for a more measured increase that balances the need for investment in the telecom sector with the welfare of consumers.
Next Steps
The NCC’s decision following Thursday’s meeting will play a critical role in determining the trajectory of telecom pricing in Nigeria. The regulator has also committed to overseeing the implementation of investments by telecom operators to ensure compliance with agreed conditions.
With the telecom sector being a vital part of Nigeria’s economy and society, the outcome of these deliberations is expected to have far-reaching implications for both operators and consumers.
Key Takeaways
- Meeting Time: Thursday, 2 PM, Abuja.
- Proposal: 100% telecom tariff hike by operators.
- Stakeholder Concerns: Affordability and consumer welfare.
- Telcos’ Commitment: Revenue channeled into infrastructure upgrades and quality improvements.
