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Under the banners of the Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS-Nigeria) and the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOM), telephone subscribers are calling on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to urgently address the deteriorating quality of service (QoS) provided by operators. The groups emphasize that the NCC has a statutory mandate to ensure that service providers deliver quality services to benefit consumers and must not ignore its responsibility.
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Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are currently requesting a tariff hike in response to rising inflation, the depreciating value of the Naira, and shrinking investments. NATCOM National President Deolu Ogunbanjo, while expressing support for a tariff increase, insisted that any hike must be marginal to avoid stifling the industry. He noted that the service quality provided by MNOs has become so poor that subscribers are openly complaining, while telcos cite their constraints in expanding capacity as justification for the need to raise tariffs.
“Worrisome NCC is pretending all is well” – ATCIS-Nigeria
ATCIS-Nigeria President Sina Bilesanmi accused the NCC of ignoring the deteriorating service quality while subscribers suffer. He argued that there is no justification for a tariff hike given the current poor quality of service.
“It is worrisome, and the NCC is pretending that all is well. This low service quality is coming at a time when the MNOs are asking for a hike in tariff, and our members were beginning to show understanding because, quite frankly, the tariff has remained the same for over a decade,” Bilesanmi said.
Across Nigeria, telecom subscribers report a significant decline in service quality, attributing this to the regulator’s apparent lack of concern.
“We intend to hold our licensees accountable for all services” – NCC
Earlier this year in Abuja, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, stated that the commission would hold telecom service providers accountable for poor service delivery. During an interaction with journalists, Maida emphasized that consumers pay for services and have a right to expect a certain level of quality, and the NCC will ensure that service providers meet their obligations.
“We intend to hold our licensees accountable for all services. After all, the consumers pay for the services and they expect the service to be at a certain level or point, so we will be holding our licensees accountable to ensure they deliver as per their obligations to their licenses,” said Maida.
