Nigerians to Pay More for Calls & Data—Here’s Why FG and NCC Approved Tariff Hike"

By Achimi Muktar

Nigerians woke up to the news of an up to 50% increase in telecom tariffs, sparking heated debates across the country. While telecom operators had initially pushed for a 200% hike, the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) struck a balance, approving a lower-than-expected increase to sustain the industry and protect millions of jobs.

For over a decade, telecom operators have operated under the same pricing model despite skyrocketing operational costs. The cost of electricity has surged by 200-300%, and diesel prices have shot up by 67%. With the naira’s depreciation and inflation worsening, major players like MTN and Airtel reported losses of over $83 million and $89 million, respectively.

Despite these challenges, the NCC was determined to shield consumers from excessive charges, capping the tariff hike at 50%.

Here’s how the new rates affect you:

📞 Call rates: N16.5/min (up from N11)

📶 Data: N431.25/GB (up from N287.5)

📩 SMS: N6 (up from N4)

Unlike previous price hikes, this increase is optional, meaning telecom operators must individually apply for approval before implementing new rates.

While approving the tariff adjustments, the NCC warned telecom companies that poor network quality and service disruptions would no longer be tolerated. The commission has introduced stricter regulations to:

✅ Improve network coverage

✅ Enhance customer service

✅ Hold operators accountable for dropped calls and poor connectivity

✅ Sanction erring providers who fail to meet service expectations

However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the tariff hike, calling it an additional burden on already struggling citizens. NLC President Joe Ajaero has warned of a nationwide boycott of telecom services if the increase is not reversed.

“The average Nigerian worker already spends 10% of their salary on telecom services,” Ajaero said. “With inflation at an all-time high, this increase is unjust and unacceptable.”

While the new tariffs are set to roll out, the NCC insists that transparency is key. Telecom companies must:

✔️ Clearly state new pricing without hidden charges

✔️ Publish a mandatory price disclosure table for customers

✔️ Ensure that all price changes comply with NCC guidelines

For now, Nigerians will have to brace for higher telecom costs—but whether a public outcry or government intervention will reverse the decision remains to be seen.