FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REJECTS 100% TARIFF HIKE REQUESTS FROM TELCOS

Anthony Ekpo Bassey 

THE Minister of Communications,  Innovation and Digital Economy says that the Federal Government would not approve the 100% tariff for Calls, SMS and data subscriptions being pressed for by telecom operators.

The Minister disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting with mobile network operators, MNOs, in Abuja yesterday and assured them that consultations were currently ongoing to arrive at an acceptable rate, which will eventually be made public by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

According to the Minister, there has been agitation in recent times, from some of the telco companies for 100% tariff increase but whatever increase would be made, will not be by 100 percent for the sake of Nigerians.  “It will not be by 100 per cent. We are still looking at that study and NCC will come up with a clear directive on how we will go about it. We want to strike the balance as a government to protect our people, but also protect and ensure that these companies can continue to invest significantly.” 

The minister said that the right regulations must be put in place for the development of the sector.  “We need to ensure that as a sector, we get our acts together, ensure that from the regulation side, we put the right regulations in place that can ensure the growth of this sector.” He added.