Tariff Increase Was Necessary To Maintain Service Delivery — Telecoms Operators 

 Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have stated why the recently approved 50% tariff increase by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), was both critical and necessary at a joint forum held at MTN Nigeria Lagos office. 

The operators further took the opportunity to assure subscribers of improved service quality within the next three months, while expressing their commitment to accelerating the process to ensure enhancements even before the given timeline. 

At the forum, which held over the weekend with telecom CEOs from MTN, Airtel and 9Mobile, alongside media representatives, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Tobe Okigbo, disclosed that operators have already begun procuring new equipment to expand network capacity and enhance service quality. 

“From NCC’s estimation, we should see an uplift in service quality within three months, but we will try to make it shorter. The better the quality, the more revenue we generate. Every time a call drops or a user is unable to browse, we lose money,” Okigbo stated. 

Beyond operational costs, telecom operators identified external factors such as fibre cuts and vandalisation of telecom infrastructure as key impediments to service quality. 

Okigbo revealed that MTN experiences an average of 37 fibre cuts daily, while Airtel’s Chief Technical Officer (CTO) disclosed that their network suffers about 44 fibre cuts per day. These incidents, he said, significantly disrupt service delivery and require urgent attention. 

At the forum, which was jointly organised by MTN, Airtel, and 9mobile, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, reiterated that while telecom operators are committed to improving service quality, external factors could determine the effectiveness of their efforts. 

“We are making all necessary efforts to improve service within the three-month window. However, if fibre cuts persist, if people continue to steal batteries and diesel from base stations, we may need to have a different conversation in three months,” Adebayo warned. 

Defending the 50% tariff increase, Adebayo emphasised that the hike is necessary for the sustainability of the telecom industry. He assured subscribers that the adjustment would lead to better services, transparent pricing, and economic growth. 

“The factors that led to this increase, including the rising cost of diesel and operational expenses, are beyond our control. If these costs change significantly in the future, there may be further adjustments to tariffs,” he explained. 

Similarly, Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Mr. Femi Adeniran, noted that the decision to seek a tariff increase was made with customers in mind. 

“We want to ensure the sustainability of telecommunications services for millions of Nigerians. Many people rely on affordable call rates to conduct daily activities, reducing transportation costs and enabling communication,” Adeniran said. 

While the NCC has defended the tariff increase, citing rising operational costs and the need to maintain industry sustainability, subscribers remain opposed to the move. 

The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has threatened to challenge the decision in court, arguing that the tariff hike was implemented without adequate consultation with key stakeholders, including consumers. 

The NCC, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, emphasised that the decision aligns with its regulatory mandate under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.