The federal government has ordered a reversal of the recent 10 percent increase in call and data rates by telecommunications operators.Information Guide Nigeria
This judgement necessitates that telecoms such as MTN Nigeria and Airtel, which had hiked the prices of their data bundles by approximately 10%, revert to their previous rates.
The Nigerian Communications Commission confirmed this on Wednesday.
The commission stated that the initial consideration for 10% approval for tariff adjustments for different voice and data packages was in line with its mandates as stipulated by the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 and other existing Regulations and Guidelines, as this was within the provisions of the industry’s existing price floor and price cap.
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However, it added that its decision to allow telcos such as MTN Nigeria and Airtel to review the pricing of some of their tariffs was made after a rigorous and realistic analysis of the country’s operational environment and present economic climate.
Even though the rate change was provisionally accepted by the NCC’s administration, its board has since overruled that decision, according to the NCC.
A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, said, “The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has maintained that his priority is to protect the citizens and ensure justice to all stakeholders involved.
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“As such, anything that will bring more hardship at this critical time will not be accepted. This was also why he obtained the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari for the suspension of the proposed 5 per cent excise duty, in order to maintain a conducive enabling environment for the telecom operators.
“Much as there is an increase in the cost of production, the provision of telecom services is still very profitable and it is necessary that the subscribers are not subjected to a hike in charges. In view of the above, the Commission, through a letter sent on the 12th of October 2022, has already directed the affected Mobile Network Operators to reverse the upward tariff adjustment.
“The Commission will carry our further consultations with all industry stakeholders on the best approaches that will protect and uphold the interest of both the consumers and the service providers.”
