By Our Reporter
The federal government has proposed a 30-60% increase in telecom tariffs to maintain the growth and sustainability of the critical telecommunications sector, while ensuring that services remain affordable for Nigerians.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, revealed the proposal in an interview on Channels Television yesterday. He confirmed that recommendations from independent consultants, including KPMG, had been reviewed in shaping the tariff increase.
Rejecting calls from telecom operators for a 100% hike, Dr. Tijani explained that the government aimed to find a more moderate balance between affordability for consumers and the financial health of the sector.
“The telecommunications sector contributes over 16% to our GDP, employs thousands of Nigerians, and is vital to the digital economy. It is essential to ensure that services remain accessible while preserving the sector’s sustainability,” Dr. Tijani stated.
He further highlighted that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is overseeing the review process, which is grounded in data-driven analysis.
Regarding rural connectivity, Dr. Tijani shared that the government is addressing connectivity challenges in underserved regions by deploying 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic networks and establishing telecom towers in remote areas through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
Dr. Tijani also discussed Nigeria’s leadership in global telecommunications infrastructure resilience, pointing to recent efforts in managing disruptions to submarine cables.
In addition, he affirmed the government’s commitment to harmonizing taxes and recognizing telecom infrastructure as critical national assets, aiming to boost service delivery across the country.
“We are implementing measures to swiftly resolve service interruptions and improve the overall consumer experience. Our goal is to ensure meaningful connectivity for all Nigerians—25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas—while fostering an environment that attracts both private and public investments,” he concluded.