The House of Representatives has called on the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, along with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to suspend the planned increase in telecommunications tariffs until service quality improves.
The resolution was adopted on Tuesday, February 11, following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Bayelsa lawmaker Oboji Oforji of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Oforji emphasized that telecom companies must prioritize service improvements before raising prices. “The proposed increase will worsen financial struggles, deepen poverty, and widen inequality,” he cautioned.
He further warned that the tariff hike could hinder Nigeria’s digital economic growth and negatively impact key sectors such as banking, education, and healthcare.
Oforji acknowledged that telecom operators, represented by the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), have been advocating for tariff adjustments for over a decade, citing inflation, forex volatility, and the rising cost of infrastructure.
Supporting the motion, Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo) stated, “Nigerians wouldn’t mind paying more if service delivery improves. But first, telecom firms must justify the need for these increases.”
However, Dominic Okafor (APGA, Anambra) argued in favor of the hike, citing the increasing cost of doing business as a justification for higher tariffs.
Consumer advocacy groups, including the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, have strongly opposed the increase, calling it “insensitive” given the current economic hardship in the country.
Reports suggest that some telecom providers have already raised prices by up to 200%.
In response, the House has directed the NCC to engage with stakeholders to review the tariff hike proposal and ensure that Nigerians continue to have access to affordable and quality telecom services.
