Over the weekend, representatives of MTN Nigeria, Airtel and 9mobile joined by the leaders of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) had a no-holds-barred session with a cross-section of media personalities, and argued strongly that the 50% tariff adjustment was necessary to save the industry from total collapse.

NCC approved 50% tariff adjustment 

Recall that the industry regulator – the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) – on January 20, 2025 announced the approval for upward review of telecom tariffs in the West African country.

The Commission led by Dr. Aminu Maida, EVC/CEO of NCC, said the approval was in pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators

NCC said it “will be granting approval for tariff adjustment requests by Network Operators in response to prevailing market conditions.”

The adjustment, according to a statement by Reuben Muoka, the director, Public Affairs at NCC, said the tariff increase capped at a maximum of 50% of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.

NLC disagrees with NCC and Telcos

However, the announcement attracted criticisms in several quarters, especially among subscribers.

Leading the opposing voices is the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC). The body also plans to protest against the 50% telecom tariff increase.

NLC argued that the increase would add to the hardship faced by Nigerians, especially when they are paying more for food, electricity, petrol and others.

CHRMG tackles NLC

The NLC’s argument attracted the attention of the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups (CHRMG) which condemned the NLC’s planned protest, describing it as “misguided and not in the public interest.”

The CSOs said the tariff hike, approved by the NCC is a necessary measure to prevent the telecom sector from collapsing.

According to Dr. Gabriel Agibi, President of the group, with the current inflation rate at 34.8%, a nearly 300% increase from 8.5% in 2013 [sic: the last time telecoms tariffs were reviewed], the tariff adjustment is essential to reflect economic realities.

Agibi said the NCC’s decision was made in good faith, taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

He added that the tariff hike is also crucial in ensuring that Nigeria’s telecom sector remains competitive with international standards.

Tariff adjustment is necessary to save industry from collapse – ALTON

According to ALTON Chairman, Engr, Gbenga Adebayo, NCC made the vital decision to allow Telecom companies to increase their tariffs for the first time in more than 12 years.

“It was a brave decision that should be recognised and commended”.

“All the customers of our member operators are understandably disappointed that they will have to pay more to stay connected. We recognise that. We know that Nigerians have been through a series of even more substantial price increases in other sectors like fuel and power.

“That is why it is so important for us to set out why the tariffs need to go up, how the revenue from the price increases will be used and how long it is going to take us to deliver the improvements that our customers will be able to see and appreciate”.

Adebayo who argued there’s no such thing as “too big to fail” in the telecoms industry, further reminded those kicking against the price adjustments that telecom sector is capital-intensive hence it requires constant investment to maintain the infrastructure that operators use to deliver connectivity, “ensuring that we can deliver the quality of service that our customers demand and continue to upgrade to the latest technologies like 5G”.

…a step to get Telecom Sector out of the ‘sickbed’ – Okigbo

Speaking during the session over the weekend, Tobe Okigbo, chief corporate services and sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, said:

“We are not talking about profitability right now; we will get there eventually. Our first priority is to get out of this sickbed. We are talking about survival because this industry is central to national development in the digital age. Imagine how backward we would become as a nation if the telecoms industry were to collapse.

“What are the alternatives? Telecoms services are critical to the growth and sustainability of key sectors like banking, healthcare, education, entertainment, and commerce. Is there any industry that doesn’t rely on telecoms services?

“Some of us are advocating for the sustainability of this industry not just because we work in the sector, but also because we have witnessed its evolution and growth. Now, we are seeing a decline; even before reaching our peak!

“Every sector that has collapsed or declined in Nigeria did not get to that point overnight; it happened gradually. We must not let the telco industry collapse.

“Let’s all do our part to keep this vital industry alive. With the right pricing, telcos will be able to ramp up investment that will enable them to provide even better quality services. We expect customers and regulators to hold us accountable. We all have a stake in the telecoms industry.

“It’s our industry. Yes ‘our’ because it belongs to all of us. Let’s not watch it die because we want to pay less, which will eventually suffocate the industry till it will no longer be able to breathe”, he said.

Nodding in agreement, Femi Adeniran, the director, Corporate Communications& CSR at Airtel Nigeria, re-emphasized the need to protect the ‘ostrich that lays golden eggs.

According to him, telecommunications industry provides infrastructure for other sectors hence the services are not just about phone calls or browsing the internet; “it powers vital sectors like education, healthcare, banking, and public safety, and deserves to breathe too”.

He said the industry is even committed to play greater roles towards deepening Nigeria’s digital economy as a critical pillar of the country’s national development strategy.

…a step towards long-term sustainability

Kenechukwu Okonkwo, the director of Product Innovation & Business Development at 9mobile, also commended the applauded the Federal Government for approving a 50% tariff adjustment, which he described as a vital initiative aimed at addressing persistent challenges in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

“This decision, reached after extensive deliberations, marks a significant step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry by enabling the necessary investments to enhance service quality (QoS) for consumers nationwide”, he said, and pledged 9mobile’s commitment to offer even improved services to the customers.

Techeconomy gathered that telcos may start adjusting their tariffs (upward) in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, representatives of Globacom, one of the ‘big four’, where conspicuously absent at the session on Saturday.

The promotion, which commenced in December 2023 has been a resounding success, giving customers the chance to win incredible prizes for their loyalty and support to the brand.

The winners from across various regions won cash prizes of N250,000 and N20,000 non-cash prizes like Generators, Refrigerators, Fuel vouchers, 50kg bags of rice, 25L vegetable oil, and free airtime.

Speaking during the prize presentation in Lagos, Kenechukwu Okonkwo, the director of Product Innovation and Business Development at 9mobile, said,

“We are extremely grateful for the overwhelming response and participation from our customers since the kick-off of the 9mobile Choplife promotion and we congratulate all the winners from the first draw. We will continue to design new ways to reward our loyal customers for choosing 9mobile as their preferred telecoms network.”

“9mobile remains dedicated to providing innovative and customer-friendly initiatives, reinforcing our position as a leading player in the telecom sector in Nigeria,” Okonkwo added.

One of the winners of the N250,000 cash prize, Olaposi Mary Motunrayo, expressed her excitement, stating that the cash reward was timely. Olaposi explained that she received an SMS of her winning from 9mobile when her son’s tuition was due for payment. ” At first, I thought it was a fraudulent message but look at it now, see what 9mobile has done for me. I am excited and grateful.” She exclaimed excitedly, “This promotion is real!” Azuka Eseka, another winner of the 250,000 cash prize, could not contain his joy and danced throughout the prize presentation.

Other winners at the prize presentation include winners of N20,000 cash prize, Alimat Mohammed and Seyi Oluwadare; winners of fuel vouchers Taiwo Maria and Adebola Mercy; winners of bags of rice, Nwoye Chukwuwike and Hassan Taiwo and the winner of a generating set, Tiamiyu Ibrahim.

The 9mobile ‘Chop Life’ promo commenced on 12th December 2023 and will run until the inventory of prizes to be won is exhausted.

The promo is open to all prepaid packages on the 9mobile network and does not require any opt-in code.

Each recharge of N200 grants customers an entry into the draws and multiple recharges of N200 grant them more entries & chances to win. Winners are randomly selected from the draws which are held on a daily and weekly basis.

9TV is a one-stop entertainment hub where 9mobile subscribers on pre-paid and hybrid subscriptions can watch their favourite movies, TV shows, children’s entertainment, and live events on the go.

Accessible on Android, and web platforms, 9TV offers free to air local and international channels, video-on-demand, reality shows, and live events streaming, all at affordable rates and on a variety of smart devices.

Unveiling the app on Wednesday, July 20, at its headquarters in Lagos, 9mobile explained that 9TV is a unique platform to give its subscribers refreshing content on various smart devices and help them keep abreast of happenings on smartphones and tablets. 

“We are happy to be introducing this new entertainment platform for the delight of our subscribers. 9TV will offer unlimited relaxation with quality entertainment content at prices that they can afford,” the Director of Product Innovation and Business Development, 9mobile, Kenechukwu Okonkwo, said.

On the various 9TV offerings, Okonkwo said movies would be available in categories including new releases, most-watched, blockbusters, children, and other genres. 9TV, he further explained, would be subscription-based, with subscribers getting exceptional value for their money.

Subscriptions for 9TV range from N50 to N2,500 depending on subscriber’s choice.

Commenting on some of the other unique features of 9TV, Okonkwo said that apart from having all the major features and services a media and entertainment app should have, it allows users to watch whatever they want/like at their convenience.  

“9TV’s ‘Timeshift’ feature on Live TV allows users to watch their favourite programmes with pause, rewind, and forward functionalities. Also, the ‘Catch-Up’ feature will enable users to watch programmes after they have been broadcast, or users who have missed a live broadcast will be able to view it on demand. 

“9TV allows users to watch & also download their favourite movies, which they will be able to watch later under ‘my downloads’ feature on the app. The downloaded movies will be available to users to view whenever they want, even with ‘No Network Coverage’ or when the device is on ‘Airplane Mode’.

Another unique offering on the new TV is Liv.9ja. This on-demand live entertainment streaming section allows users to watch live concerts, interviews, parties, and similar events.

Since entering the Nigerian market, 9mobile has consistently affirmed its commitment to customers with quality and affordable products and service offerings. The telco continues to transform lives with its consistent innovation, rolling out solutions that enable Nigerians to realize their full potential.