FCCPC Demands Service Quality Improvements as a Condition for 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called on Nigerian telecommunications operators to ensure quality service improvements following the recently approved 50% tariff increase by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Acknowledging the financial limitations faced by operators, including high costs of operations, the FCCPC stressed that consumer interests remain non-negotiable. 

According to the Commission, the NCC’s decision to approve a 50% tariff adjustment—lower than the initial 100% proposed by operators—was a deliberate effort to balance industry sustainability with consumer protection.

The NCC has also mandated greater transparency in telecoms. Service providers are now required to present clear and straightforward tariff details, free of hidden charges, to help consumers make informed decisions. This includes disclosing costs, validity periods, and all plan inclusions in a standardised format.

The FCCPC noted the long-standing issues of consumers, such as dropped calls, network congestion, inconsistent internet speeds, and poor customer service, which it says must be resolved to justify the tariff increase. “Consumers have consistently expressed the desire for measurable improvements in the quality of service before any tariff increases are implemented,” the statement noted.

A recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FCCPC and NCC reveals both parties’ focus on safeguarding consumer interests while promoting fair competition in the telecom sector. 

This partnership will oversee the implementation of the tariff adjustment to prevent exploitative practices and ensure that increased revenues are invested in infrastructure and service delivery improvements.

The FCCPC further stated that telecom operators must clearly communicate the reasons for the tariff adjustment and how it will enhance service quality. “It is non-negotiable that telecom operators must prioritise visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service as part of any tariff adjustment.”

The Commission urged consumers to report any inadequacies through official channels for prompt resolution and assured the public that it would closely monitor the situation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.