- Says NCC Cost Study Targets Wholesale Charges
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria has dismissed reports suggesting that the Nigerian Communications Commission’s ongoing Mobile Termination Rate cost study will lead to another increase in retail telecommunications tariffs.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, ALTON chairman, clarified that the NCC’s exercise is focused solely on determining fair and cost-reflective wholesale interconnection charges paid by telecom operators to complete calls across different networks.
Speaking at the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) Innovative Conference 2026, Adebayo said the cost study is an evidence-based regulatory review that had not been conducted in eight years and is intended to reflect current market realities.
“There is currently no industry proposal before the NCC seeking a review of retail tariffs arising from this exercise,” he said, explaining that the Commission has instead challenged operators to improve customer experience, expand network coverage and strengthen infrastructure resilience.
He noted that sustainable investment in telecommunications depends on transparent, objective and evidence-based pricing frameworks rather than speculation about retail price increases.
According to Adebayo, operators remain focused on improving service quality despite significant operational challenges, including unreliable electricity, fibre cuts caused by road construction, multiple taxation, insecurity, Right-of-Way bottlenecks and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure.
He maintained that while operators remain accountable to subscribers, quality of service cannot improve through fines and penalties alone because many network disruptions arise from factors beyond the control of telecom companies.
The ALTON chairman praised recent collaboration between the NCC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other regulators, saying greater institutional coordination is becoming increasingly important as telecommunications, financial services and digital platforms continue to converge.
He also commended security agencies and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for ongoing efforts to protect telecommunications infrastructure, noting that arrests of vandals and improved coordination with federal and state ministries are helping reduce network disruptions.
Adebayo reaffirmed ALTON’s commitment to working with the Federal Government, regulators and industry stakeholders to build a resilient, innovative and globally competitive telecommunications sector capable of driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.
