By Sani Wilson Enemona

Network service providers operating in Nigeria have been directed by the Federal government to reverse a 10 per cent increase in calls and data tariffs.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in a statement made available to reporters directed the telecom operators to withdraw the hike in calls and data rates to old rates.

The statement signed by NCC’s spokesman, Reuben Mouka, stated that “Though the tariff adjustment was proposed and provisionally approved by the Management, pending the final approval of the Board of the Commission, in the end, it did not have the approval of the Board of the Commission. As a result, it is reversed”,

It further stated that the consideration for 10% approval for tariff adjustments for different voice and data packages was in line with the mandates of the Commission as provided by the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and other extant Regulations and Guidelines, as this was within the provisions of the existing price floor and price cap as determined for the industry.

But the NCC said the decision was also taken after a critical and realistic review and analysis of the operational environment and the current business climate in Nigeria, as it affects all sectors of the economy.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, however, maintained that FG’s priority is to protect the citizens and ensure justice for all stakeholders involved.

In view of the above, the Commission, through a letter sent on the 12th of October 2022, directed the affected Mobile Network Operators to reverse the upward tariff adjustment.

The statement said the Commission would carry out further consultations with all industry stakeholders on the best approaches that will protect and uphold the interest of both the consumers and the service providers.