Telecom Subscribers Reject 40% Tariff Hike, Call NCC’s Approval Insensitive Amid Economic Hardship

|By Adejumo Adekunle –

• Protect subscribers, halt the 40% tariff hike.
•  Voice, SMS, and data prices set to rise sharply.
• Operators defend hike; subscribers demand alternatives.

The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has strongly opposed the planned 40% hike in telecom service tariffs, describing it as insensitive to Nigerians’ economic struggles. In an emergency meeting held on December 31, 2024, NATCOMS called on telecom operators to explore alternatives to address rising operational costs without burdening consumers.

Under the proposed increase, voice calls would rise from ₦11.00 to ₦15.40 per minute, SMS from ₦4.00 to ₦5.60, and 1GB data bundles from ₦1,000 to ₦1,400. NATCOMS argued this hike would make telecom services unaffordable for many Nigerians, contravening the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) duty to protect consumers.

While telecom operators, under the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), justified the hike due to decade-long stagnant tariffs and operational challenges, NATCOMS suggested they seek funding through avenues like the Nigerian Stock Exchange instead of burdening subscribers. Official sources at NCC have denied approving a fresh tariff hike for 2025, contradicting recent reports.