A proposal by Nigeria’s telecommunications operators to raise the tariffs on data and voice calls has sparked widespread public dissatisfaction and pledges of resistance from various consumer groups.
This backlash follows a joint statement issued by the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), which called on the Federal Government to consider ending an 11-year price freeze in response to persistent inflation and escalating operational costs.
The telecom associations claim they have been constrained by regulations that prevent them from setting prices that reflect the current economic reality. “The substantial investments required for network expansion, maintenance, and technological upgrades necessitate an adjustment in pricing to continue to provide quality service,” the statement from ALTON and ATCON noted.
However, consumer advocacy groups such as the Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) and the National Association of Telecommunication Subscribers (NATCOMS) have voiced strong opposition to the proposed increases. Sina Bilesanmi, President of ATCIS, highlighted that many Nigerians are already under significant financial strain and any additional costs could further impoverish them. Bilesanmi stressed the need for consumer participation in these decisions, recalling promises by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to engage subscribers in the decision-making process.
Echoing a similar sentiment, NATCOMS President, Mr. Adeolu Ogunbanjo, called for a minimal increase if necessary, to avoid further burdening consumers.
The debate has resonated with the public, many of whom have expressed their frustration with both the proposed price hike and the current quality of telecommunications services. A boutique owner in Surulere, Mrs. Ada Nnamdi, complained about poor network quality saying, "The service is already substandard, they should focus on improving that before charging us more." Ayomide Tunde, a student from Lagos State University, labeled the timing of the hike as "inhuman" given the current economic difficulties, including rising food prices affecting her ability to afford basic necessities.
An anonymous respondent accused telecom companies of covertly raising prices over the years, citing a personal experience of rapidly depleting data allowances compared to previous years.
In their statement, the telecom operators also highlighted additional challenges such as high taxation, regulatory issues, and infrastructural vandalism, which have plagued their operations. They urged the government to recognize telecommunications infrastructure as critical national assets, essential for national security and economic stability, and to prioritize protecting these assets from vandalism and other threats.
The operators have called for constructive dialogue with the government and stakeholders to establish a balanced pricing framework that ensures the viability of telecom services without compromising consumer affordability.
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