The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has vehemently condemned the alleged recent approval of a tariff increase by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). They caution that this hike could lead to a staggering 40% rise in telecommunications service prices, placing an additional financial strain on Nigerian consumers.
Despite a statement from an NCC source dismissing rumours of a proposed price increase scheduled for January 2025, telecom companies contend that current rates do not accurately represent Nigeria’s economic realities, citing factors such as inflation, currency devaluation, and surging equipment costs.
Telecom operators have noted that there have been no tariff adjustments in the last ten years and have expressed concerns over the financial strain of various government taxes and fees.
Following an emergency meeting, NATCOMS issued a communiqué criticizing the NCC’s potential move to increase tariffs in a document signed by National President Adeolu Ogunbanjo and National Secretary Barr. Bayo Omotubora, the association, labelled the decision as “insensitive,” arguing it would exacerbate the economic challenges faced by everyday Nigerians.
Additionally, the cost of a 1 GB data bundle would jump from US$0.65 to US$0.91. This represents an added financial burden for consumers as they navigate Nigeria’s already harsh economic conditions. The association contends that this move contradicts the NCC’s claims that the tariff adjustments serve the public interest.
NATCOMS argues that this increment effectively prices telecommunications services beyond the reach of the average Nigerian citizen, labelling it as an official policy that neglects the needs of the populace.
