Nigerian telecommunications operators have begun implementing a 50% tariff hike, following approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), even as lawmakers demand an immediate reversal, 9am news reports.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday directed the NCC and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to suspend the increase, arguing that Nigerians are already burdened by rising inflation and fuel subsidy removal.
MTN, the country’s largest telecom provider, has commenced implementation, with data prices significantly increasing. The 1.5GB plan, previously ₦1,000, now costs ₦1,500 for 1.8GB, while larger bundles like the 600GB 90-day plan jumped from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000.
Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile are expected to follow suit, though their official new price structures are yet to be announced.
Lawmakers led by Oboku Oforji argued that while telcos cite high operational costs, poor service delivery remains a major concern. The National Association of Telecom Subscribers (NATCOMS) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have rejected the hike, demanding a reduction.
Industry stakeholders, however, insist the increase is necessary for sustainability, with ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo stating, “Without price adjustments, service quality will decline further.”
With public outrage growing, the telecom sector faces heightened scrutiny, and all eyes are now on the government’s next move.
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