Nigeria News
Minister Engages Telecom Operators On Proposed Tariff Hike
The Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has convened a meeting with key representatives of telecommunications companies to deliberate on the ongoing demand for an upward adjustment in telecom tariffs.
Naija News gathered that the meeting, which commenced earlier today, included representatives from major telecom operators such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, and 9Mobile.
Key government agencies, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), were also in attendance.
The telecom companies have recently advocated for a tariff increase, citing economic pressures stemming from the removal of fuel subsidies and the naira’s floating exchange rate.
Despite these demands, the government, through the NCC, has maintained that operators still have room to explore within the framework of the 2013 tariff price floor currently in effect.
FG Tackles Telecom Sustainability Challenges as KPMG Submits Interim Report
The Federal Government has announced efforts to address pressing issues threatening the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
This development follows the submission of an interim sustainability report by KPMG to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
The report is expected to provide actionable recommendations, particularly concerning the ongoing debate over tariff reviews.
Telecom operators have argued that the current tariff regime jeopardizes the long-term viability of the industry.
Balancing Sustainability and Accessibility
Receiving the interim report, Tijani emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining a delicate balance between the sustainability of the telecom sector and ensuring connectivity remains accessible to all Nigerians.
“Today, I welcomed consultants from KPMG Nigeria and SimmonsCooper Partners as they shared an interim report on the sustainability of Nigeria’s Telecoms Sector.
“As a government, we are working to find a balance between the sustainability of the sector and ensuring the availability of meaningful connectivity for our people.
“This report is part of our commitment to ensure that we achieve our goal of providing internet access as a human right for all,” Tijani stated.
Long-Term Solutions Underway
In an earlier appearance on Arise TV, the minister highlighted the government’s focus on medium- to long-term solutions in response to telecom operators’ tariff hike requests.
While acknowledging the potential need for a tariff adjustment, he stressed that other critical issues must also be addressed to strengthen the sector.
“Beyond just the conversation that has been out there about increasing tariff, which is what everybody is talking about, we think, yes, there may be a need for it, but there are so many other things that we need to do as a country to ensure that that sector is competitive,” Tijani explained.
He further pointed out the need for significant government investment in digital infrastructure to support the industry’s growth.
“And beyond just supporting them to be competitive, the government must also invest in digital infrastructure as well,” he added.
The ongoing collaboration between the Federal Government and stakeholders aims to develop comprehensive strategies to sustain Nigeria’s telecom sector while ensuring equitable access to connectivity across the nation.