House of Representatives Halt Telecom Tariff Hike, Demand Better Service First
The House of Representatives has urged the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, along with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to suspend the proposed increase in telecommunications tariffs until service quality improves. This decision follows a motion highlighting concerns over the planned tariff hike, which telecom companies argue is necessary due to rising investment costs, inflation, and foreign exchange losses. While industry groups like ALTON and ATCON support the increase, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has opposed it, calling it an additional burden on consumers already facing economic hardship and poor network services. Lawmakers stressed that improved service delivery should precede any price adjustments, warning that higher tariffs could worsen financial struggles, affect small businesses, and hinder access to essential digital services in sectors like banking, education, and healthcare. Some lawmakers argued that tariff increases should be delayed until telecom companies justify the need, while others noted that rising operational costs may make adjustments necessary for better service delivery.
