The recent approval of a 50% tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is nothing short of a brazen betrayal of the Nigerian people. In an era where telecom services are deteriorating at an alarming rate, this decision is not only ill-timed but reeks of a blatant disregard for the suffering of millions of subscribers who depend on these services for their daily lives and businesses. This move, cloaked in the pretense of industry sustainability, is a slap in the face of struggling Nigerians already grappling with economic hardship. Telecom providers have consistently failed to deliver quality services. Network disruptions, dropped calls, sluggish internet speeds, and poor customer service have become the norm. Instead of holding these operators accountable, the NCC has chosen to reward their incompetence with a tariff hike, effectively punishing subscribers for the failings of the industry. This is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.
The NCC’s justification for this hike—that it will bridge the gap between operational costs and current tariffs—is both hollow and insulting. For over a decade, telecom operators have enjoyed steady revenue growth, bolstered by Nigeria’s rapidly expanding subscriber base. Yet, these same operators have failed to reinvest adequately in infrastructure, leaving subscribers to suffer the consequences of their negligence. As of December 2023, Nigeria has over 224 million subscribers, according to official data by the regulator. MTN boasts of over 87 million subscribers, representing 38.79% of the total market share, the highest in the country by any licensed Mobile Network Operator (MNO). Globacom and Airtel have 61 million subscribers each while 9mobile has 13.9 million users.
This latest hike is particularly galling given that the telecom sector has remained one of Nigeria’s most profitable industries, with operators recording billions in annual revenues. Why, then, should consumers bear the brunt of operational cost increases without a commensurate enhancement in services? It is unconscionable for the NCC to justify this tariff adjustment while the industry continues to fail in meeting basic service standards. The claim that this tariff increase will lead to improved services is a farce. How can an industry that has failed to meet even the most basic service standards be trusted to use additional revenue responsibly?
This tariff hike demonstrates a shocking insensitivity to the plight of ordinary Nigerians. Small business owners, who rely on mobile phones and internet services as their primary tools of trade, will bear the brunt of this increase. For many, this added financial burden could mean the difference between staying afloat and shutting down. The NCC’s decision shows a callous disregard for these realities.
Equally troubling is the lack of transparency and consultation in this process. The Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) has decried the decision as a betrayal of agreements reached with the NCC earlier this year. The stipulation that subscribers should first be engaged and educated before any tariff adjustment has been flagrantly ignored. This disregard for consumer advocacy undermines trust in the NCC’s regulatory role and raises serious questions about whose interests the commission truly serves.
Moreover, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, must be held accountable for his contradictory stance. The minister’s endorsement of a tariff hike of up to 60%, despite prior assurances to the contrary, is both alarming and irresponsible. Leadership in this sector demands a commitment to fairness and foresight, not a cavalier imposition of policies that exacerbate the struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
The NCC’s decision also flies in the face of agreements reached with telecom subscriber advocacy groups. These groups were assured that no tariff hike would be implemented without adequate consultation and enlightenment of the public. By going back on this promise, the NCC has not only undermined its credibility but has also alienated the very stakeholders it is meant to protect.
This tariff hike, coming on the heels of increased operational inefficiencies, sets a dangerous precedent. It signals to telecom operators that they can continue to provide subpar services without fear of repercussions, as any shortfall in revenue can simply be passed on to subscribers. This is nothing less than a monopoly on exploitation, sanctioned by the very body tasked with safeguarding consumer interests. It is high time the NCC and telecom operators recognize that their primary obligation is to the Nigerian people. Anything less is an abdication of their responsibility and a betrayal of the public trust. Nigerian consumers must stand up to this blatant exploitation, and we call on all stakeholders to stand united against this unjustifiable tariff hike.
Nigerians must not remain silent in the face of this injustice. Advocacy groups, civil society organizations, and all stakeholders must demand that the NCC rescind this tariff hike immediately. Furthermore, the commission must be held accountable for its failure to regulate the industry effectively and ensure quality service delivery. Instead of enabling corporate greed the NCC should focus on enforcing stringent service quality standards and penalizing operators that fail to meet them. This tariff hike is not about sustainability; it is about greed. It is a betrayal of trust, a dereliction of duty, and an affront to every Nigerian who relies on telecom services. The NCC must reverse this decision and prioritize the interests of the people it is meant to serve. Anything less is unacceptable.
