Telcos Urge NCC to Approve Call Tariff Increase by Q1 2025

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to review call tariffs upwards by the first quarter of 2025.

Speaking on behalf of the association, ATCON President Tony Emoekpere emphasized that the tariff hike is essential to sustain the telecommunications industry and improve the quality of services provided to Nigerians.

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According to Emoekpere, currency depreciation has significantly impacted the sector, making it increasingly challenging for operators to maintain infrastructure and deliver reliable services.

“The revenue being generated is no longer sufficient to support the operations of most telcos and infrastructure providers,”

Emoekpere stated. “The earlier a firm decision is made on this issue, the better for the industry.”

He further highlighted Nigeria’s growing population as a factor intensifying the demand for telecom services.

“As more people enter the bracket requiring these services, it becomes crucial to have adequate investments to meet their needs,” he said.

Appeal to Regulators for Urgent Action

ATCON urged the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, alongside the NCC, to seriously consider the tariff adjustment.

Emoekpere pointed out that while past discussions on harmonizing tariffs had been held, the urgency of the matter necessitates immediate action.

“So, we call upon the Ministry of Communication and the regulators to look into this matter and take a firm decision, at least by the first quarter of 2025,’’ he said.

Emoekpere warned that without the proposed tariff review, the quality of service would continue to deteriorate due to insufficient revenue to maintain and upgrade infrastructure.

“People are already complaining about the quality of service, and this situation will only worsen if the revenue challenges persist,” he explained.

“It will also discourage investments in critical infrastructure needed to support the industry.”

Industry Concerns Echoed

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has also raised similar concerns, reinforcing the need for a sustainable approach to tariff adjustments to ensure the long-term viability of the telecommunications sector.

With Nigeria’s telecommunications industry being a crucial driver of the digital economy, stakeholders hope that the proposed tariff review will enable operators to meet growing demands and deliver high-quality services to the populace.