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Summary
The NCC is set to approve a proposal for telecom price hikes, with new rates expected in January 2025. The adjustments, driven by inflation and operational costs, could see prices rise by up to 40%.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is ready to approve a long-awaited proposal for increasing telecom prices, with new rates for calls, SMS, and internet bundles expected to take effect in Jan. 2025. This decision follows years of lobbying from major telecom operators, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel, and 9Mobile, who have argued that current prices do not reflect the economic realities exacerbated by inflation and the devaluation of the naira.
Despite a surge in inflation rates that has prompted many businesses to raise their prices, telecom companies have been restricted from adjusting their charges. The NCC’s forthcoming approval aims to align telecom tariffs with the rising operational costs that have impacted the sector.
Speaking to TechCabal, an NCC spokesperson confirmed that further details regarding the tariff adjustments will be disclosed in an official announcement soon. According to the existing proposals, telecom tariffs could rise by up to 40%. If implemented, this would mean telephone calls could cost ₦15.40 per minute, while short messages would be priced at ₦5.60. Additionally, a 1GB data plan is projected to start at a minimum of ₦1,400.
