Nigeria’s Telecoms Sector Remains Competitive Despite 50% Tariff Hike
Despite a recent 50% increase in telecommunications service tariffs, Nigeria’s telecoms sector remains competitive, with voice call rates hovering around N18 per minute, according to the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC). The commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, revealed this during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.
Maida attributed the stable rates to healthy competition in the telecoms sector, which has kept prices in check since the early 2000s. “Even with the 50% increase, the most expensive rate is about N18 or N19 per minute. In the early 2000s, we were at N15 per minute. Today, the maximum is N18 per minute. That’s competition at work,” he said.
To further encourage competitiveness, the NCC plans to scale up rules and enforcement, including adequate disclosure by operators in the country’s telecoms industry. Maida also hinted at a revision of the Nigerian Communication Act 2003, in collaboration with the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, to improve the telecoms industry.
The NCC is also committed to driving sustainable development and growth, creating value for subscribers, and contributing to the country’s economic growth. According to Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs at the NCC, “We are passionate about driving sustainable development and growth, creating value for subscribers, and contributing to the economic growth of our nation.”
In addition, the NCC provided guidelines on how telecoms subscribers can manage their data usage. Mrs. Freda Ruth Bruce-Bennett, Director of the Consumer Affairs Bureau at NCC, advised subscribers to abolish autoplay on social media accounts, block data-draining malware, disable background data usage, and follow other tips to prevent data depletion.
The NCC’s efforts to promote competition and protect consumers’ interests are expected to have a positive impact on the country’s telecoms industry, which has experienced significant growth in recent years. With the commission’s commitment to driving sustainable development and growth, Nigeria’s telecoms sector is poised for continued success.
