By Milcah Tanimu
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval for telecommunication companies to raise tariffs for calls, data, and SMS services by 50%. This marks the first tariff adjustment since 2013.
Effective immediately, MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile will implement new charges. The minimum charge for phone calls will rise to N9.6 per minute from N6.40, with a maximum cap set at N50. SMS charges will increase to N6 from N4, while 1GB of data will now cost N525, up from N350. On average, call charges will settle around N16.5 per minute, compared to the previous N11.
The NCC explained that this decision was necessary to address the operational expenses faced by telecom operators. While operators had requested a 100% tariff hike, the NCC approved a 50% increase, aiming to balance the burden on consumers and ensure the sustainability of telecom services.
The NCC explained that this decision was necessary to address the operational expenses faced by telecom operators. While operators had requested a 100% tariff hike, the NCC approved a 50% increase, aiming to balance the burden on consumers and ensure the sustainability of telecom services.
However, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has voiced opposition, arguing that the increase could adversely affect businesses and consumers alike. The group has threatened to challenge the hike in court, suggesting that a smaller increase of 5% to 10% would have been more reasonable given the rising cost of living.
The tariff hike comes at a time when Nigeria’s telecom sector saw significant growth, with revenues reaching N5.3 trillion in 2023. Despite the controversy, the NCC assures that the adjustment will allow for better network quality and customer service improvements.
 has approved a 50% hike in tariffs for calls, data, and SMS services by MTN, Airtel, Glo,){kind=link}