x

Arewa Youths support Telecom Tariff hike, says vast opportunities lie in it

 

Calls for calm and understanding from Nigerians

 

The Arewa Youth Assembly has backed the move by the Nigeria Communications Commission’s (NCC) to approve requests by telecommunication companies for a 50% adjustments in their tariffs, describing it as a welcome development that will open up the sector for robust growth and investment.

This was contained in a statement signed and sent to media by the Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Mohammed Salihu Danlami.

The Arewa Youth Assembly stated that the increase in telecommunication tariffs is long over due and has become necessary.

“The telecommunication sector, which employs millions of Nigerians directly, and is responsible for powering other sectors of the country, is the only sector that has maintained status quo in terms of price of its services despite the skyrocketing of the prices of basic requirements for its operations, such as diesel, power, and even manpower costs.

“The industry was near the point of collapse. The global rise in inflation and rise in cost of its operation, coupled with foreign exchange high costs plus increased network maintenance expenses, was rendering telecommunication companies ineffective to deliver services to Nigerians.

“No serious regulator that understands the need for prices to be market reflective would have folded its arms to allow such a collapse,” Alhaji Danlami noted.

Speaking further, he explained that the tariff adjustment was a fundamental decision that had to be taken to preserve the industry and its impact on the wider economy, noting that “everything in Nigeria today depends on telecoms, whether it is healthcare, education, corporate businesses, and even the government.”

Alhaji Danlami stated that it was imperative for tariffs to be increased to ensure that the industry was made stronger and that service could be improved.

“Furthermore, this tariff adjustment will help the operators to purchase new equipment to enhance the country’s telecommunication infrastructure. It would also reenergise the sector in a way that would lead to a surge in investments. This will ultimately translate to improved network quality, expanded access and a better experience for consumers. We at the Arewa Youth Assembly are hopeful that the sector would grow beyond expectations, creating more opportunities for our people to get jobs in telecoms.

“It is ironical that those complaining of tariff increase are the same ones who are complaining of poor service delivery. They are unaware that the telecommunication companies cannot improve their infrastructure to meet growing demand without having cost reflective prices. To address Quality of Service problems, they have need a new injection of funds.”

The group stated that it was also an opportunity to for the sector’s regulator to insist on fairness, transparency, and accountability in the telecommunications sector.

The Arewa Youth Assembly also called on telecommunication operators to use the proceeds of the adjusted tariff prices to immediately invest in improving services, stating that the support of most Nigerians for the tariff adjustment was on the condition that service quality would be improved.

It also called for calm and understanding from Nigerians, noting that they expect improved growth in the telecom sector, greater protection of customers, improved efficiency of telecom services and ultimately the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunication sector.

Signed:

Mohammed Salihu Danlami
Speaker,
Arewa Youth Assembly.
23 January, 2025

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalistAs...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Val Kilmer, ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Batman’ Star, Dies at 65

Acclaimed American actor Val Kilmer, best known for his...

BREAKING: Tinubu Sacks Kyari, Appoints Ojulari As New NNPC Boss

President Bola Tinubu has announced a major leadership overhaul...

Nigerian Army Opens Recruitment for Tradesmen and Non-Tradesmen

The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of recruitment...

Edo Tribunal Ruling: APC, PDP Dismiss Alleged Judgment Leak

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic...

Kaduna: Touareg Nigeria residence marks Sallah with cultural display for unity

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaIn a bid to promote unity...

Tinubu sacks Kyari, appointes Bashir Ojulari as NNPC CEO

By Lucy OmakpoPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made sweeping...

Health news Tinubu Appoints Oloriegbe As New NHIA Chairman

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuPresident Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Ibrahim...

Customs Deny CG Tenure Extension Report, Call It Fake

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed reports of...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img