Telecom tariff increment: FG proposes 30-60% hike

The federal government has proposed a 30-60% increase in telecom tariffs to sustain the critical telecommunications sector while ensuring affordability for Nigerians.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who disclosed this in an interview on Channels Television yesterday, stated that recommendations from independent consultants, including KPMG, had been received.

Rejecting demands by operators for a 100 per cent hike, Dr. Tijani explained that the government was considering a more moderate increase to strike a balance between affordability for consumers and the sustainability and continued growth of the sector.

He said: “The telecommunications sector contributes over 16 per cent to our GDP, employs thousands of Nigerians, and is essential to the nation’s digital economy. However, it is crucial to ensure that services remain accessible while maintaining the sector’s viability.”

Announcing key updates from the ministry, Dr. Tijani emphasized that the tariff review would prioritize consumer interests and sector sustainability.

He said the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, was overseeing the process, with recommendations based on data-driven analysis.

On rural connectivity investments, he said: “To address connectivity challenges in underserved areas, the government is deploying 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic networks and building telecom towers in remote regions through Special Purpose Vehicles, SPVs.”

Dr. Tijani also addressed Nigeria’s leadership in global telecommunications infrastructure resilience, citing recent efforts to manage submarine cable disruptions.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to harmonizing taxes and declaring telecom infrastructure as critical national assets.

Assuring Nigerians of improved service delivery, the minister said operators would be held accountable for disruptions.

“We are implementing measures to ensure swift resolutions to service interruptions and better experiences for consumers.

“We are committed to ensuring meaningful connectivity for all Nigerians—25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas—while fostering a sustainable environment for private and public investments,” he said.