The Nigerian Communications Commission, the regulatory body in Nigeria has ordered mobile operators in the country to reverse the 10% tariff increase on the voice and data plans.
By this order, MTN and Airtel are now to reverse the price increases they implemented on their respective networks some days ago based on the initial discussions with the management of the regulatory body.
According to the body in an emailed statement made available to Innovation Village, “the attention of the NCC has been drawn to media reports of unilateral implementation of the recently approved 10 per cent upward tariff adjustments for some voice and data services by the service providers on their networks.
“The consideration for 10 per cent 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.
“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.
“Further, even 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. As a result, it is reversed.”
The statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Reuben Muoka further noted that “The honourable minister of communications and digital economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has maintained that his priority is to protect the citizens and ensure justice to all stakeholders involved. 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 percent 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 the subscribers mustn’t be subjected to a hike in charges.”
Objectively, it would seem that this NCC Tariff increase reversal is not unconnected with the upcoming elections which is to make the incumbent party favourably disposed to the populace and to be seen as a fair party.
The telecoms companies have been agitating for a tariff increase due to rising cost of operations.
