JUST IN: FG directs telcos to reverse 10% increase in calls, data tariffs

The Federal Government has directed network service providers to reverse 10 per cent increase in calls and data tariffs.

In a statement, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directed the telecom operators to withdraw the hike in calls and data rates to old rates.

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Though the tariff adjustment was proposed and provisionally approved by the Management, pending the final approval of the Board of the Commission, in the end it did not have the approval of the Board of the Commission. As a result, it is reversed”, the statement signed by NCC’s spokesman, Reuben Mouka, said.

It said the consideration for 10% approval for tariff adjustments for different voice and data packages was in line with the mandates of the Commission as provided by the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and other extant Regulations and Guidelines, as this was within the provisions of existing price floor and price cap as determined for the industry.

But the NCC said the decision was also taken after a critical and realistic review and analysis of the operational environment and the current business climate in Nigeria, as it affects all sectors of the economy.

However the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has maintained that FG’s priority is to protect the citizens and ensure justice to all stakeholders involved.

In view of the above, the Commission, through a letter sent on the 12th of October 2022, directed the affected Mobile Network Operators to reverse the upward tariff adjustment.

The statement said the Commission would 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.