By Abigail Philip David
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called on telecom operators to enhance their services following the recent approval of a 50% tariff increase by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In a statement released on Wednesday via its official X handle, the FCCPC acknowledged the rising operational costs faced by telecom operators but emphasized that consumers’ interests must remain a priority.
Consumer-Centric Approach
“We unequivocally state that consumer interests remain paramount,” the FCCPC said, stressing that the tariff hike must translate into noticeable improvements in service quality, such as better network reliability, fewer dropped calls, and faster internet speeds.
The commission commended the NCC for its measured approach in approving the tariff adjustment, noting that the approved increase was significantly lower than the over 100% hike initially proposed by telecom operators.
“We applaud the NCC for rationalizing the tariff adjustment and linking it to measurable service quality improvements while implementing measures to mitigate consumer hardship,” the FCCPC added.
Transparency and Accountability
The FCCPC welcomed new NCC directives requiring telecom operators to ensure greater transparency in their tariffs. Under the new guidelines, operators must provide clear and upfront information about their plans, including costs, validity periods, and benefits. Additionally, a mandatory disclosure table will be introduced to help consumers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected charges.
“Consumers should no longer have to worry about hidden charges or unexpected costs,” the FCCPC emphasized.
Addressing Consumer Complaints
The FCCPC noted that consumers have long expressed dissatisfaction with issues such as network congestion, inconsistent internet speeds, and inadequate customer service. It highlighted the importance of linking the tariff increase to visible service enhancements.
“It is crucial that tariff adjustments directly result in demonstrable and tangible improvements in service delivery,” the commission stated.
Commitment to Consumer Protection
The FCCPC referenced its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NCC, which underscores their joint commitment to consumer protection, fair competition, and the elimination of exploitative practices in the telecom sector.
The MoU ensures that any pricing adjustments are balanced with the interests of consumers and require operators to prioritize investments in network infrastructure and service delivery.
“Operators must allocate the additional revenue from the tariff increase towards infrastructure development and enhanced service quality. Mechanisms to monitor the proper utilization of these funds are essential,” the FCCPC stressed.
Clear Communication
The FCCPC urged telecom operators to clearly communicate the rationale behind the tariff adjustments to consumers, ensuring transparency and alignment with service improvement efforts.
“Consumers must be fully informed about how these changes contribute to better service delivery and infrastructure upgrades,” it concluded.
This call to action reinforces the FCCPC’s commitment to ensuring that the tariff increase benefits consumers through improved telecommunications services nationwide.
