Telecommunications companies in Nigeria are awaiting regulatory approval for a 100% increase in service tariffs, according to MTN CEO Karl Toriola. Speaking on Arise TV on Thursday, Toriola explained that the proposed hike is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.
“We’ve put forward requests of approximately 100 per cent tariff increases to regulators,” he said. “I doubt they’re going to approve that quantum of increases because they are very, very sensitive to the current economic situation in the country.”
The Industry’s Struggle with Rising Costs
The request comes amid growing concerns from the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). The group’s chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, recently warned that telcos are struggling to survive due to soaring operational costs and stagnant pricing.
Toriola urged regulators to consider these economic pressures, emphasising that the request is not just about short-term profitability but about maintaining quality service for customers.
“We’re united because we share concerns about a few fundamental issues. First, human rights are critical to driving any economy. Without a sustainable industry, the broader economy and the well-being of the people will be negatively impacted,” he stated.
Possible Service Disruptions Ahead?
Telecom operators have warned that unless tariffs are reviewed, customers may face service disruptions and deteriorating network quality in certain areas. While it remains uncertain whether the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will approve the full hike, discussions on pricing reforms in the sector continue.
