As the New Year unfolds, anxiety is mounting across Nigeria over a possible 40 percent hike in telecommunications service tariffs.
Subscribers, represented by the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), have strongly opposed the proposed increase, calling it “insensitive” given the ongoing economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.
Speculation about the looming price hike has been swirling, with reports suggesting that telecom operators, including giants like MTN, Glo, and Airtel, are preparing to raise rates by as much as 40 percent.
Under this new tariff structure, a data bundle currently priced at N1,000 could see a jump to N1,400—a significant rise that is expected to take effect in 2025.
However, despite these growing concerns, official sources within the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have denied the rumors of an impending tariff hike, leaving many subscribers and industry stakeholders uncertain.
The controversy comes at a time when Nigerian telecom operators have been vocal about their financial struggles, with some even threatening to shut down services unless their demand for higher tariffs is met.
This follows a year-long standoff in 2024, when the NCC repeatedly rejected operators’ requests to increase rates.
The tension between consumer interests and the financial pressures on telecom companies remains a delicate issue as the country faces broader economic challenges.
