The federal government has proposed a 30-60% increase in telecom tariffs to support the critical telecommunications sector while maintaining affordability for Nigerians.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, revealed this during an interview on Channels Television yesterday.
He noted that recommendations from independent consultants, including KPMG, had been reviewed. Rejecting operators’ demands for a 100% hike, Dr. Tijani emphasized the government’s focus on a moderate increase to balance consumer affordability with the sector’s sustainability and growth.
He said: “The telecommunications sector contributes over 16 per cent to our GDP, employs thousands of Nigerians, and is essential to the nation’s digital economy. However, it is crucial to ensure that services remain accessible while maintaining the sector’s viability.”
Sharing updates from the ministry, Dr. Bosun Tijani highlighted that the tariff review would prioritize consumer interests while ensuring the sustainability of the telecom sector.
He stated that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) was leading the process, guided by data-driven recommendations.
On rural connectivity, Dr. Tijani announced plans to tackle underserved areas by deploying 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables and constructing telecom towers in remote regions through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
He also underscored Nigeria’s global leadership in telecommunications infrastructure resilience, citing recent measures to address submarine cable disruptions.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Dr. Tijani mentioned efforts to harmonize taxes and classify telecom infrastructure as critical national assets. He assured Nigerians of enhanced service delivery, adding that operators would be held accountable for any disruptions.
“We are implementing measures to ensure swift resolutions to service interruptions and better experiences for consumers.
“We are committed to ensuring meaningful connectivity for all Nigerians—25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas—while fostering a sustainable environment for private and public investments,” he said.
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