Telcos Set to Implement 50% Tariff Hike, Says ALTON

Telecommunication companies in Nigeria are preparing to roll out a 50% hike in call, data, and other service tariffs, following recent approval by the Federal Government. The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Wednesday.
Adebayo revealed that telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, are in the process of fulfilling the regulatory requirements necessary to implement the tariff increase. Although he did not specify an exact start date, he assured that the hike would take effect as soon as the operators complete the mandated steps.
“The 50% tariff hike will be implemented as soon as possible. We are now going through regulatory requirements of the telecoms tariff hike,” Adebayo explained. “When the regulatory steps are completed, operators will start introducing the new tariff. I can’t say February 2025 or earlier, but as soon as the regulatory steps are concluded, operators will introduce the new tariff hike.”
The tariff adjustment follows the Nigerian government’s approval of the increase through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, attributed the decision to rising inflation, emphasizing the need to ensure the sustainability of the telecom sector.
However, the tariff hike has faced significant pushback from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and subscribers, who argue that the increase will exacerbate the economic hardships already faced by Nigerians. The NLC has described the move as unfair and called for its reversal, citing its impact on workers and low-income earners.
As telecom companies gear up for the implementation, the announcement has heightened concerns about affordability and the potential strain on subscribers’ purchasing power. Many Nigerians are awaiting further details on when the hike will take effect and how it will impact their monthly telecom expenses.