The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a 50% tariff increase for telecoms companies, the first such increase in the sector in almost eleven years. Despite quickening inflation, the NCC remained resolute on holding voice and data costs stable, but mounting losses in the sector after a naira devaluation forced the regulator’s hands.
The telcos began speaking with regulators in October 2024, one telecom executive who asked not to be named discussing private conversations told . The telcos asked for 100% tariff increase for voice and data at the time. The NCC was concerned that approving that increase would be deeply unpopular.
The NCC claimed it wanted to strike a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the industry’s sustainability, including the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem.
“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 percent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 percent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability,” a statement from the NCC read.
*This is a developing story.
