The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has opposed Nigeria’s proposed hike in telecommunication service tariffs, describing it as insensitive and burdensome for consumers.
Reports from industry sources indicate that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently approved a 40% increase in telecom tariffs, set to take effect in January. However, the NCC has neither confirmed nor denied these claims.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting held in Lagos, NATCOMS criticized the move, stating that it would place an additional strain on telecom subscribers already grappling with economic challenges. The document, jointly signed by NATCOMS President Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo and National Secretary Barrister Bayo Omotubora, emphasized the potential hardship the increment would cause.
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“The persistent rise in the cost of goods and services has made life exceedingly difficult for Nigerians, including telecom service users. The new tariff increment would be one burden too many,” the statement read.
Under the proposed adjustment, the cost of voice calls would rise from ₦11.00 to ₦15.40 per minute, SMS charges would increase from ₦4.00 to ₦5.60, and 1GB of data would climb from ₦1,000 to ₦1,400. NATCOMS argued that these changes contradict the NCC’s claims that the adjustments are in the public’s interest.
“The increment is an attempt to make telecom services unaffordable for the average Nigerian,” NATCOMS noted, further criticizing the move as a breach of public trust.
The association also highlighted past burdens placed on subscribers, including the increase in VAT from 5% to 7.5% in 2019 and the imposition of a 5% excise duty on telecom services under the Finance Act of 2020. According to NATCOMS, these measures have already forced many subscribers to reduce their telecom usage.
While acknowledging telecom operators’ concerns about rising operational costs, multiple levies, and the impact of foreign exchange rates on equipment costs, NATCOMS urged them to explore alternative revenue streams instead of passing the costs onto consumers.
The association called on the NCC to revoke its approval for the tariff hike and advocate for measures that prioritize the welfare of telecom users.
