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Reps Urge FG to Halt Telecom Tariff Hike Until Service Improves
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to suspend the proposed increase in telecommunications tariffs until there is a significant improvement in service delivery.
During plenary on Tuesday, Rep. Obuku Offorji moved a motion of urgent public importance, urging the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, along with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to put the tariff hike on hold.
Offorji recalled that following a stakeholders’ meeting on January 8, the minister revealed that telecom operators were pushing for tariff adjustments, with some proposing increases as high as 100%. While the minister assured that the final increase would not reach that level, he confirmed that the NCC would review and approve new tariffs in due time.
The lawmaker criticized the justifications provided by telecom operators, which included rising investment costs, network improvements, and growing demand for digital services in sectors like education, banking, and healthcare.
Citing concerns from the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, Offorji described the proposed increase as “insensitive,” warning that it would further burden Nigerians already grappling with economic hardship and poor service quality.
He emphasized that telecom companies must enhance their service delivery before considering any tariff hike, highlighting potential negative consequences such as increased poverty, digital exclusion, and setbacks for sectors reliant on affordable connectivity, including digital banking, e-learning, healthcare, and e-governance.
The House resolution underscores the need for consumer protection and affordability in Nigeria’s telecom sector while ensuring that any pricing adjustments align with improved service standards.
