Kehinde Fajobi
The House of Representatives has called for the suspension of the upcoming telecommunications tariff hike until service quality is improved.
The motion, moved by Hon. Obuku Oforji, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma federal constituency, was adopted at plenary on Tuesday, February 11.
Oforji highlighted remarks made by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on January 8, 2025.
Tijani had disclosed that telecom tariffs would soon rise, with some mobile network operators pushing for a hike of up to 100%.
However, the minister assured that the final increase would be lower and subject to approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The lawmaker raised concerns over the justification for the tariff hike, citing the operators’ argument that it stemmed from the need for better network investment and the growing demand for digital services in sectors such as education, healthcare, and banking.
Oforji expressed his worry, stating, “The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the proposed increase in tariffs, describing it as insensitive and a further burden on consumers already grappling with economic hardship, and poor network service delivery.”
He emphasised that before increasing tariffs, telecommunications companies must improve their services, particularly their longstanding network issues.
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He also warned that the price hikes could worsen financial struggles for Nigerians, undermining the country’s goal of using technology to stimulate economic growth.
“Affordable connectivity is a must for progress in critical sectors like digital banking, education, healthcare, agriculture, and e-governance,” Oforji added.
He also expressed concern for informal sector workers and small businesses, noting that a price increase would disproportionately affect them.
He explained, “Imagine a scenario where a 10 percent increase is approved. It is estimated that a 10 percent increase in telecommunications costs would reduce small business profitability up to 7 percent, potentially leading to closure of businesses.”