Oluwatoyin Yusuf
Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the recent tariff adjustments approved for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are strategic measures aimed at improving service quality and ensuring long-term sustainability in the telecommunications sector.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Wada Maida said this in a meeting with Nigeria information technology reporters Association, Abuja branch.
Dr Maida who was represented by the Acting Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha reaffirm that the new tariffs are helping to restore profitability to telecom operators who have been severely affected by foreign exchange challenges in recent years. The EVC also informed that investment in the sector is expected to yield results from the year 2025.
“With the recent tariff review, operators are returning to profitability, enabling them to reinvest in network infrastructure. This will result in noticeable improvements in service quality and user experience nationwide.”
“Operators must provide comprehensive cost breakdowns to justify proposed tariffs. This allows the Commission to ensure charges remain fair, cost-oriented, and in line with economic and technical realities,” he said.
"While the tariff process does not involve direct consumer participation due to its technical nature, Dr. Maida emphasized that the NCC serves as a strong protector of consumer interests by rigorously vetting operator submissions.
The EVC has again pledged to ensure improved quality of service in telecommunications sector.
“Investment in the industry is crucial , and that investment will translate into improved quality of service and experience with time. The industry is bouncing back.
“But it’s not just our efforts, it’s the result of collaboration between us and you. And when the industry improves, we must show the public the data: the tests conducted, the fiber cuts reported, the access refusals.
“We’ve talked about issues affecting quality of service and experience. The engineer gave us the statistics, access challenges, fiber cuts, and so on in our environment,” Maida said.
Addressing broader industry challenges, the EVC highlighted issues such as fibre cuts, identity verification difficulties, infrastructure vandalism, high energy costs, and Rights of Way (RoW) constraints. He noted that the Commission is actively collaborating with stakeholders, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to secure telecom infrastructure and ensure the prosecution of vandals.
Dr. Maida also reaffirmed the NCC’s alignment with the national framework on Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“Telecom infrastructure is critical to national security and economic growth. Any individual or group found disrupting it will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
The NCC reassured the public of its continued commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, particularly in providing accurate information on tariffs and industry standards.
“It is not the public’s responsibility to monitor operator pricing. That’s our mandate,” Dr. Maida concluded. “We remain open to collaboration and will continue to share reliable data on telecom tariffs and performance metrics.”
Earlier, the President of NITRA, Mr Blessing Olaifa thanked the NCC’s EVC and the members of staff for the opportunity to have a media interaction with the commission.
Olaifa promised to keep faith with the commission, ensuring to always support it professionally in the courses of reportage for the greater good and growth of the Nigerian economy.
“I would like to thank you for this opportunity to be here today and welcome my colleagues to this interactive session,” he said.
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