“Sustainability, Not Profit” – Telecom Leaders Defend Tariff Hike

Telecommunications leaders in Nigeria have defended the recent tariff hike, arguing that it is essential for the long-term sustainability of the industry rather than a mere pursuit of profit.

Tobe Okigbo, a prominent executive in the telecom sector, spoke candidly about the need for price adjustments, drawing attention to the critical role telecom services play in everyday life. “It’s easy for us to overlook the importance of what telecommunications provide but imagine if I didn’t have to be here today, I probably wouldn’t make that journey, traveling across Lagos for my third official engagement. For someone earning 200 naira a day, the cost of transport to be with loved ones is high. Yet, telecoms allow them to connect and communicate, which is priceless,” Okigbo explained.

He went on to emphasize how far telecommunications have come since the days before mobile phones. “I started my career when there were no mobile phones. Communicating was difficult, and delivering services was even harder. Today, telecoms are an integral part of daily life, enabling Nigerians at all levels to survive and thrive.”

Okigbo highlighted that the industry’s sustainability is key to the country’s economic growth. Without a robust subscriber base, Nigeria’s telecom sector would not be able to support the level of services required to drive the economy forward. He further explained that the tariff increase is necessary to ensure the continued delivery of quality services.

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“The reason for the tariff hike is simple – it’s about ensuring we can continue providing essential services to Nigerians. This is not about profit; it’s about sustaining the industry for the future,” he said.