Karl Toriola, the CEO of MTN Nigeria, revealed that the business has asked the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a 100% pricing rise, along with other telecom providers.
The purpose of this plan is to address rising operating costs that are compromising the sustainability of the sector.
Toriola emphasised that growing costs, such as inflation and higher service delivery costs, are putting a lot of financial strain on the telecom industry. He underlined that the business may find it difficult to sustain the calibre of services offered to customers if tariffs are not changed.
Toriola acknowledged the regulator’s sensitivity to the current state of the Nigerian economy but expressed doubt that the NCC would approve the full 100% increase despite the proposal.
He stated, “I doubt they’re going to approve that quantum of increases because they are very, very sensitive to the current economic situation in the country.”
Citing similar worries about growing operating costs, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has also pushed for higher tariffs. However, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has opposed the proposed increase, describing it as “insensitive” to consumers already facing economic hardships.
The NCC has yet to respond to the proposal. Industry experts anticipate that the regulator will seek to balance consumer welfare with the operational sustainability of telecom operators in its decision-making process.
