Telecommunication operators, including MTN Nigeria and Glo, have appealed to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for permission to increase their tariffs. They argue that this adjustment is necessary to sustain growth in the telecom sector amidst current economic challenges.
This appeal comes two months after an earlier request to the industry regulator for a tariff adjustment. The operators are urging the NCC to consider their plea, emphasizing that approving the tariff hike would help mitigate the prevalent loss of revenues among telecom companies and stabilize the sector’s significant contribution to the growth of the gross domestic product (GDP).
The telecom companies presented their case during a special reception hosted by the industry players under the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Lagos. They stressed that the tariff increase is essential for maintaining the sector’s viability and continued growth.
ATCON President, Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, reiterated the association’s commitment to collaborating with the NCC. He emphasized that the proposed tariff adjustment is crucial for the sustainability of the telecom industry and its positive impact on Nigeria’s economy.
He said: “I welcome the Executive Vice-Chairman, EVC to our industry, Dr. Aminu Maina. It’s a traditional event that we always do at ATCON to host all key stakeholders and we believe that the EVC of NCC is a major stakeholder in our industry.”
“We do this from time to time and we’re very privileged and honoured to have him here in our presence.”
“We pledge to continue to work with the Commission as we have done in the past.”
He highlighted ATCON’s long standing role in representing industry interests and facilitating dialogue between regulators and operators.