On Thursday, January 9, 2025, the Nigerian government announced plans to increase prices for calls, data, and SMS messages in the telecom sector. But don’t worry – it won’t be the huge 100% increase that some companies had suggested!
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, shared the news, saying the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is working to find a fair solution. The government is looking at ways to raise prices a little to help telecom companies deal with rising costs, like inflation and the weakening value of Nigeria’s currency, the naira.
During a meeting with telecom companies, Dr. Tijani said, “While a price increase is being discussed, it will not be too high.” He added that the goal isn’t to hurt customers but to ensure the industry stays strong and can continue providing service.
MTN’s CEO, Karl Toriola, explained that the main concern isn’t about making money, but rather about keeping the industry alive and working. He mentioned that tough economic conditions are making it harder for companies to stay afloat.
Earlier, rumors about a 40% price increase caused a lot of confusion, but the NCC quickly denied it. “There’s no 40% increase coming,” they said. However, the idea of raising prices has still made many people worried. Airtel, another telecom company, said that higher prices are necessary to keep up with growing costs and to ensure everyone continues to have access to digital services.
Dr. Tijani also promised that the government would no longer leave all the work of building telecom infrastructure to private companies. He emphasized the importance of providing better service, not just higher prices. “People want meaningful connectivity, not just cheaper services,” he said on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
In response to complaints about confusing bills, the NCC said it plans to create clearer billing templates. Many Nigerians have said they don’t understand their charges, and some even feel like telecom companies are unfairly taking away their data.
Even with these challenges, MTN assured its customers that it is not planning to leave any part of Nigeria. The NCC will make an official announcement about new prices once it finishes consulting with the industry and reviewing a report from KPMG.
For now, it’s a waiting game. The government is working hard to make sure the telecom sector stays strong while still offering quality and affordable services for everyone.
