Telecommunications companies in Nigeria are urging the Nigerian Communications Commission to approve an increase in tariffs for voice and data services.
This is due to the need to mitigate the challenging economic environment currently facing the sector.
The operators argue that an increase in tariffs is essential not only to halt ongoing revenue losses but also to stabilise the sector, ensuring its continued contribution to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP).
This request, which comes just two months after their initial plea for a tariff adjustment, was made during a special event in Lagos organised by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).
At the event, ATCON President Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere stressed the importance of cooperation between the telecom operators and the NCC.
Acknowledging the presence of the NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maina, Emoekpere emphasised that such gatherings are vital for facilitating dialogue and collaboration among key industry stakeholders.
Emoekpere reaffirmed ATCON’s mission to work closely with the NCC in addressing the industry’s challenges.
He highlighted ATCON’s longstanding role in driving the interests of telecom operators and facilitating constructive discussions with regulators.
“We pledge to continue to work with the Commission as we have done in the past,” Emoekpere said.
The telecom operators, including major players like MTN Nigeria and Glo, insist that increase in tariffs is essential for maintaining the sector’s growth in the face of economic downturns.
They believe that without this adjustment, the industry could struggle to sustain its current level of economic contribution and innovation.
During the event, Emoekpere pointed to the necessity of aligning regulatory policies with the economic realities facing the telecom sector.
He called on the NCC to consider the operators’ plight and approve the requested tariff adjustments to support the industry’s health and viability.
