The federal government has proposed a 30-60% hike in telecom tariffs to sustain the telecommunications sector while ensuring affordability for Nigerians, according to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Speaking on Channels Television, Dr. Tijani stated that independent consultants, including KPMG, recommended the tariff adjustment. Rejecting a 100% hike requested by operators, the government opted for a moderate increase to balance consumer affordability and sector sustainability.
Highlighting the sector’s 16% contribution to GDP and its role in Nigeria’s digital economy, Dr. Tijani emphasized the need for accessible and viable telecom services. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is overseeing the review, guided by data-driven recommendations.
The government is also addressing rural connectivity challenges by deploying 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic networks and constructing telecom towers in remote areas. Efforts to enhance infrastructure resilience and harmonize taxes are ongoing, with telecom infrastructure being declared critical national assets.
Dr. Tijani assured Nigerians of improved service delivery, promising swift resolutions to service disruptions and a commitment to meaningful connectivity—targeting 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural regions.
