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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied reports that it approved new telecom tariff plans or a tariff hike. The telecom regulator clarified that it only “directed operators to simplify their current tariff plans in a transparent and fair manner for consumers.”
Despite reports of an approved tariff hike circulating in various media outlets, senior officials from the NCC informed IT Edge News.Africa that the commission would soon issue an official statement to clarify its stance.
The NCC also posted a clarification on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, reiterating that no new tariff plans or hikes have been approved.
RELATED: Government must enable proper pricing, critical infrastructure for telecom sector’s viability – ALTON’s Adebayo
However, the Federal Government has resisted, urging telcos to explore innovative solutions instead of raising prices.
MTN Nigeria recorded substantial losses last year, attributing them to Nigeria’s volatile foreign exchange, rising energy costs, and other expenses.
Market forces to determine pricing – ALTON
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) stressed the need for operators to price their services appropriately to ensure industry sustainability.
“For us to have a sustainable industry, in the face of the challenges that we face, the operators must be allowed to price right. The government has to do something consciously and deliberately to address the telecom sector …. We must allow market forces to determine pricing and not by regulating pricing,” he told IT Edge News.Africa in a recent interview.
Both ALTON and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have urged the government to address these issues to prevent industry collapse.
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of ATCON, and Adebayo recently warned that the government’s inaction could impede sector progress and hinder development.
