MTN promises Better services Amidst tariff hike

Nigeria’s biggest telecom operator, MTN, said it is targeting better telecom services following the approval of a 50 percent tariff adjustment by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

The tariff hike, seen as crucial to revitalizing a sector contributing 14 percent of the country’s economy, has sparked strong opposition from subscribers and advocacy groups.

The company, with 77 million subscribers, said in a statement on Tuesday that the tariff increase was necessary to sustain critical investments.

MTN noted that the development is a significant milestone in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector while empowering millions of people and businesses and contributing to the country’s overall economic development.

The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, stated, “This tariff adjustment represents an important step towards addressing the impacts of the prevailing economic challenges on our business and industry.

“It will enable us to maintain the critical investments required to deliver reliable, high-quality services to Nigerians. We remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and driving inclusive growth for all stakeholders.”

The CEO thanked the Federal Government, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the NCC, and industry bodies for their support.

On Monday, the NCC approved the tariff adjustment for the telcos, who were seeking a 100 percent increase, citing the need to address rising operational costs in the industry.

In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the NCC noted that the adjustment represents the first change in tariffs since 2013.

The regulator capped the adjustment at a maximum of 50 percent, significantly lower than the over 100 percent increase initially proposed by some operators.

The NCC described the decision as a measured response to the increasing financial pressures faced by network operators, while also seeking to balance the interests of consumers and the sustainability of the industry.