The Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS-Nigeria) has rejected the 30% to 60% telecom tariff hike suggested by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
With over 220 million subscribers across the country, ATCIS argued that this proposal goes against the agreement reached at the stakeholders meeting with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and others on January 9, 2025.
In a statement issued on Sunday, ATCIS-Nigeria National President, ‘Sina Bilesanmi said: “We are disappointed, the consensus was clear at the meeting in Abuja, no tariff hike without proper consultation and sensitization of subscribers.”
He asked for respect for the NCC Act and explained the process which includes consultation with advocacy groups like ATCIS, public input and final approval by NCC.
Bilesanmi said bypassing this framework is against transparency and accountability in pricing.
At the January meeting, stakeholders including MNOs representatives agreed that no tariff adjustment would move forward without further discussion.
Bilesanmi said MNOs represented by ATCON and ALTON were mandated to organize public enlightenment programmes and discuss percentage increase with subscriber advocacy groups before submitting to NCC.
Despite this agreement, Minister Tijani told Arise TV in an interview that MNOs had asked for 100% tariff increase to stabilize the sector. Government is however considering 30% to 60% increase which the minister described as balancing industry stability with public welfare.
ATCIS-Nigeria rejected this approach, saying tariff changes must follow regulatory process led by NCC and advocacy groups. Bilesanmi said minister’s unilateral decision undermines the liberalized telecom market.
The association also said a tariff hike would hurt Nigerians more, especially small business owners who rely on affordable telecom services to run their businesses. They said increasing costs would further deepen the economic hardship Nigerians are already facing.
Bilesanmi said the government’s digital economy goal is not compatible with higher telecom costs, it will hinder businesses and slow down digital transformation.
He asked the government to consult meaningfully with stakeholders and ensure any tariff adjustment is subscriber friendly.