The Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA), Section 108, grants it the authority to control and authorize tariff rates and charges levied by telecom providers.
According to a statement released by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the adjustment was made with consideration for ongoing industry reforms that will have a positive impact on sustainability. It is limited to no more than 50% of current tariffs, which is less than the 100% that some network operators have requested.
As is customary for the Commission when it comes to tariff reviews, these adjustments will stay within the tariff bands outlined in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be examined one at a time. It will be put into effect strictly in accordance with the newly released NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.
“Despite telecom operators’ rising operating costs, tariff rates have not changed since 2013.” The agreed modification is intended to close the large discrepancy between current prices and operating costs without compromising service delivery to customers, the statement stated.
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As per the NCC, these modifications would facilitate operators’ capacity to keep funding infrastructure and innovation, which will eventually help customers by improving connectivity and services like higher coverage, better network quality, and improved customer service.
“The NCC has made it a top priority to find a balance between safeguarding telecom customers and making sure the sector remains viable, including the thousands of local suppliers and vendors that are an essential component of the telecom ecosystem.
“The NCC continues to have a great deal of empathy for the difficulties that Nigerian households and companies are facing financially as a result of tariff revisions. The Commission has therefore required that operators make these changes in a way that is fair to customers and transparent. As they show quantifiable gains in service delivery, operators must also educate and inform the public about the new charges.
The NCC also restates its commitment to developing a robust, creative, and inclusive telecommunications industry. The Commission’s initiatives aim to safeguard the industry’s long-term viability, assist local suppliers and vendors, and foster the expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy as a whole, in addition to safeguarding consumers.
“As a regulator, the NCC will keep working with stakeholders to build a telecommunications environment that benefits all—one that safeguards customers, helps operators, and maintains the ecosystem that powers connectivity throughout the country,” the statement continued.
