By Martin Ekpeke
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has indicated that any upcoming increase in telecommunications service tariffs will not exceed 60%. This follows recent demands by telecom operators for a substantial tariff hike, reaching as high as 100%.
During a recent television appearance, Minister Tijani emphasized that a 100% increase would harm Nigerian citizens and hinder economic growth. He stated that the anticipated tariff increase will likely fall within 30% to 60%, based on recommendations from KPMG reports currently under review by his team.
The Minister highlighted several measures to support the telecom sector while ensuring a balanced approach. These include:
- Increased Local Content: Encouraging telecom companies to reduce reliance on imported equipment to minimize foreign exchange pressures.
- Critical National Infrastructure Declaration: Recognizing telecommunications infrastructure as critical national assets, providing better protection against vandalism and ensuring faster repair times.
- Tax Reforms: Implementing tax reforms to harmonize the tax burden on telecom companies, creating a more favorable business environment.
- Government Investments: Investing in national infrastructure, such as expanding fiber optic networks, to improve service reach and reduce operational costs for telecom operators.
These measures aim to create a sustainable environment for the telecom sector while mitigating the potential impact of a tariff increase on Nigerian consumers.