Nigerian Telcos Propose 100% Hike in Call, Data Tariffs

Nigerian telecommunications companies have proposed a 100% increase in call and data tariffs, citing escalating operational costs as the driving factor behind the request.

This disclosure was made by Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday. The proposal, which has been submitted to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), seeks to address challenges caused by inflation and the rising cost of service delivery.

“We’ve put forward requests of approximately 100 per cent tariff increases to regulators. 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,” Toriola said.

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The MTN boss emphasized that the proposal is not focused on short-term profits but on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the telecom industry, which is under financial pressure from rising costs.

Toriola added, “I believe we’re all on the same side—the policymakers, the regulators, our Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, and the industry. 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.”

The rising cost of diesel, power generation, and other essential inputs has compounded the financial strain on operators. Inflation and exchange rate fluctuations have further worsened the situation, making it difficult for telecom companies to sustain profitable operations.

Earlier this week, telecom operators issued a statement warning of imminent service disruptions unless tariffs are adjusted. According to Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the industry is “under siege” due to surging operational costs, including energy prices and currency volatility.

He noted, “Despite these challenges, tariffs have remained unchanged, leaving operators struggling to maintain quality service and expand their networks.”

Operators also warned that failure to approve tariff adjustments could force them to shed services, leading to limited availability in certain areas.

This isn’t the first time the industry has called for a tariff review. The first proposal for a hike was made in April 2024, but no significant progress has been recorded since then.