The House of Representatives has directed the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to suspend the upcoming increase in telecommunications tariffs until service quality improves.
This decision came after the adoption of a motion during Tuesday’s plenary, which was presented by Oforji Oboku.
Oboku explained that during a meeting with Mobile Network Operators in Abuja on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Tijani had announced that telecom tariffs were set to increase soon.
He shared that telecom companies argued the hike was necessary due to rising investment costs, the need for better networks, and growing demand for digital services in sectors like education, banking, and healthcare.
The lawmaker noted that companies had been pushing for the tariff increase for the past 11 years, according to industry groups ALTON (Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria) and ATCON (Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria).
However, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has strongly opposed the increase, calling it “insensitive” and a “burden on consumers” already facing economic challenges and poor network service.
Oboku emphasized that while telecom companies are facing financial difficulties due to inflation and exchange rate issues, improving network services should come first. “Nigerians have been struggling with poor network services for years, and before any price hikes are made, service must improve,” he stated.
The lawmaker also warned that the tariff hike could make life even harder for average Nigerians, increase poverty, and make inequalities worse. He argued that affordable telecom services are critical for sectors like digital banking, education, healthcare, agriculture, and e-governance.
After the debate, the House of Representatives agreed: “The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and NCC should suspend the planned telecom tariff increase until services improve.”
