Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said on Wednesday that it has accepted the decision of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to approve a 50 per cent hike in telecommunications tariffs, down from the 100 per cent hike proposed by telecom operators.
FCCPC acknowledged the intense pressure faced by the NCC over the years to approve tariff increases due to the rising operational costs experienced by telecom operators, which became more pronounced in recent times.
It commended the NCC for adopting a deliberate and measured approach by rationalising the tariff adjustment and linking it to commensurate improvements in service quality, while implementing other measures to mitigate the impact on consumers.
However, the commission strongly insisted that the tariff hike must translate to significant quality and improved services, stressing that it will resist a situation where Nigerians are charged for poorly delivered services, particularly in areas like voice calls, data, and other services with the tariff hike.
FCCPC, in a statement on Wednesday by Ondaje Ijagwu, director of Corporate Affairs, asked telecom operators to disclose all key details upfront, including the cost, validity period, and specific inclusions of a plan.
It added: “Consumers can also expect a mandatory disclosure table from the service providers to enable them to make informed decisions without worrying about unexpected charges or surprises.”
The commission further noted that consumers have consistently expressed a desire for measurable improvements in service quality before any tariff increases are implemented. “Issues such as network congestion, dropped calls, inconsistent internet speeds, unusual data depletion, and poor customer service have remained prevalent concerns. It is, therefore, crucial that tariff adjustments directly translate into demonstrable and tangible service enhancements for consumers.”
FCCPC asked that telecom operators prioritise visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service as part of any tariff adjustment, insisting that the rationale for the increase must be reflected in better services for consumers who, apparently, rely on telecommunications for both personal and business purposes.
The commission suggested that operators allocate increased revenues responsibly, with an emphasis on infrastructure development and service delivery improvements, stressing that clear mechanisms must be established to monitor how the funds are utilised, ensuring that consumers directly benefit from the adjustments.
“Operators must also clearly communicate the rationale for the tariff adjustments to consumers, ensuring that consumers are fully informed about the nature of the changes, the benefits, and how it aligns with efforts to improve service delivery and infrastructure,” it added.
The commission referenced its recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NCC, which, it said, provided a unified framework to oversee the implementation of the tariff adjustment in a manner that meets the needs of consumers.
It said the partnership ensures that the increase does not become a justification for exploitative practices, but an opportunity to foster fairness, transparency, and accountability in the telecommunications sector.
“As Nigeria embraces rapid technological advancements and increasing reliance on digital connectivity, it is imperative that the benefits of a thriving telecommunications ecosystem extend to all stakeholders, particularly consumers,” it added.
The FCCPC assured Nigerians that, together with the NCC, it will continue to pursue measures that uphold these objectives. “We are committed to closely monitoring the impact of the tariff adjustments to ensure compliance with established regulatory standards.”
It also reminded telecom operators that the FCCPC is actively working with NCC to address concerns raised by consumers during the transition period and beyond, and encouraged consumers to freely report any unfair practices or concerns through its official channels to ensure effective resolution.