Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, is currently holding discussions with representatives from major telecommunications companies, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, and 9Mobile, as tensions rise over proposed increases in call and data tariffs.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of telecom operators’ recent appeals for a tariff hike approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Stakeholders from the press, regulatory agencies like the NCC and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), as well as other industry players, are expected to participate in the high-stakes discussions.
Despite the urgency surrounding the matter, Andrew Agyo, a senior member of the Ministry’s media team, stated he was not aware of the meeting at the time of reporting, leaving details unclear.
This development follows a period of heightened friction between telecom operators and regulatory authorities. MTN and Airtel had recently submitted requests to the NCC for approval of increased tariffs. Meanwhile, telecom operators have warned of potential disruptions to the sector if their calls for tariff adjustments are not addressed.
The NCC has yet to grant approval for any tariff hike beyond the 2013 price template, which remains in effect.
Telecom subscribers, however, have urged operators to explore alternative solutions instead of imposing further tariff increases, emphasizing the financial strain such measures would place on consumers.
As discussions unfold, all eyes remain on the outcomes of the meeting, which could significantly impact Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and its subscribers.
