A 50 per cent telecom tariff hike was necessary to save job losses from companies collapse, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said yesterday.
He explained that the government carefully considered the decision given the critical role the telecom sector plays in the economy.
The minister noted that the sector, including its entire value chain, employs nearly half a million Nigerians, making it a significant contributor to national development.
Speaking with reporters at the State House, Abuja, Tijani said: “If we chose not to allow the increase in tariff, we would be at the risk of losing jobs, as some of these companies could pack up, and when you weigh that, it’s also not the best thing for the economy.”
He noted that the tariff increase request had been pending before the current administration, but that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu insisted on a thorough evaluation.
“This is a government that is extremely conscious of the state of the economy, and Mr. President consistently takes into consideration each and every citizen before making decisions.
“Some of these decisions are difficult, but we have to balance the interests of individuals and businesses alike,” he said.
To determine the optimal rate for the adjustment, the government commissioned a study led by KPMG, which provided insights into the most sustainable tariff increase.
Tijani also emphasised that beyond affordability, the government is prioritising “meaningful access” to telecommunications services.
This, he said, meant ensuring not just connectivity but also quality service delivery.
“The NCC has been working to shift the focus not just to quality of service but to quality of experience.
“Now that the MNOs (mobile network operators) have the opportunity to increase tariffs, they must ensure that quality remains a priority”, he stated.
To support this goal, Tijani highlighted the government’s ongoing investments in telecommunications infrastructure.
These include the expansion of Nigeria’s fibre-optic network by 90,000 kilometres and the approval by the Executive Council for the construction of 7,000 additional telecom towers in rural areas.
The minister reiterated that while the private sector must continue investing in the industry, the government was also stepping in to ensure Nigeria achieves universal and high-quality connectivity.
