The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured Nigerians that the recent tariff adjustment approved for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) is a strategic step toward improving the quality of service and ensuring long-term sustainability in the telecommunications sector.
Speaking during a session in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Wada Maida, represented by the Acting Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha said the tariff adjustment is already restoring profitability to key industry players, many of whom had been severely affected by foreign exchange challenges in recent years.
“About two years ago, we observed that some major operators were experiencing massive losses. Although revenues were growing, heavy forex-related obligations severely eroded those gains. This had a direct impact on service quality,” Dr. Maida stated.
“However, with the recent tariff review, operators are back on the path to profitability. This will allow them to reinvest in their networks and infrastructure, resulting in a noticeable improvement in quality of service and user experience across the country.”
He added that investment in the telecom sector is expected to increase significantly in 2025, surpassing levels seen in the previous two years.
Responding to question on NCC’s tariff regulation process, Dr. Maida explained that tariff setting in Nigeria’s liberalized telecom sector follows a transparent and data-driven process:
“Before any tariff is approved, the Commission conducts a comprehensive cost-based study to determine the actual cost of delivering telecom services. This ensures that all charges remain cost-oriented and fair to consumers.”
“Operators are required to justify any proposed tariff with detailed cost breakdowns. This helps the NCC determine whether the requested rates are economically and technically reasonable.”
While the process may not permit direct consumer participation due to its technical nature, the EVC emphasized that NCC acts as a guardian of consumer interest by rigorously scrutinizing operator submissions.
Speaking on industry challenges and stakeholder collaboration, the EVC acknowledged that the sector still faces significant challenges, including: fibre cuts; identity verification issues; infrastructure vandalism; energy costs and Rights of Way (RoW) constraints.
To address these, he said the NCC is actively engaging relevant stakeholders, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to ensure the security of telecom infrastructure and prosecute those found culpable of vandalism.
“We are committed to naming and shaming vandals and working with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure that all cases of infrastructure damage are thoroughly prosecuted.”
On Critical National Infrastructure (CNI),
Dr. Maida further stated that the Commission is fully aligned with the operational framework of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“Telecom infrastructure is vital to national security and economic development. Anyone found damaging or disrupting it will be prosecuted without exception,” he warned.
The NCC reassured Nigerians of its commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, particularly in providing accurate information on tariff regulations and industry standards.
“It is not the responsibility of the public to monitor operator pricing. That’s our job. The Commission remains open to collaboration and will continue to provide clear, reliable data on telecom tariffs and performance metrics,” Dr. Maida concluded.
He called for continued support from the media and the public as the Commission intensifies efforts to enhance digital connectivity, consumer satisfaction, and service reliability across Nigeria.
End.
