Tariff Hike: Consumers Deserve Better Service, FCCPC Tells MTN, Airtel, Others
Following the recent approval of a 50 per cent increase in telecommunications tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has called on telecom operators to prioritize service quality improvements.
In a statement released on Wednesday via its official X handle, the FCCPC acknowledged the financial challenges faced by telecom operators due to rising operational costs but stressed the importance of consumer interests in any tariff adjustments.
“We unequivocally state that consumer interests remain paramount,” the FCCPC said, emphasizing that any increase in telecom tariffs must result in tangible improvements in service quality.
The commission praised the NCC for its careful deliberation in approving the tariff hike, noting that the approved increase was much lower than the over 100 per cent hike initially proposed by telecom operators.
“We commend the NCC for adopting a deliberate and measured approach by rationalizing the tariff adjustment and linking it to commensurate improvements in service quality,” the FCCPC stated.
In addition, the commission welcomed the NCC’s directive requiring telecom operators to ensure greater transparency in their tariffs.
Under the new rules, operators must disclose all relevant details of their plans, including costs, validity periods, and benefits.
A mandatory disclosure table will also be introduced to help consumers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected charges.
“Consumers should no longer have to worry about hidden charges or unexpected costs,” the FCCPC emphasized.
However, the FCCPC acknowledged ongoing consumer dissatisfaction with poor service quality, including issues like network congestion, dropped calls, inconsistent internet speeds, and inadequate customer service.
It noted that consumers had long expressed concerns about these issues prior to any tariff increase.
“It is crucial that tariff adjustments directly translate into demonstrable and tangible service enhancements,” the FCCPC added.
The commission also referred to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the NCC, which reiterates their joint commitment to protecting consumer interests and eliminating exploitative practices in the telecom sector.
The MoU ensures that regulatory or pricing adjustments made by telecom operators are balanced with the interests of consumers.
“Operators must prioritize visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service as part of any tariff adjustment,” the FCCPC stated.
Lastly, the commission called on telecom operators to use the additional revenue generated from the tariff increase to fund infrastructure development and enhanced service delivery.
It stressed the need for clear mechanisms to monitor the proper use of these funds to benefit consumers.
“Operators must clearly communicate the rationale for the tariff adjustments to consumers, ensuring they are fully informed about how these changes align with efforts to improve service delivery and infrastructure,” the FCCPC concluded.