Nigerian Telecom Firms Seek 100% Tariff Hike Amid Economic Pressures

AFRICAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMYJanuary 6, 2025 at 9:14 AM UTC

TLDR

Nigerian telecommunications companies are lobbying the regulator for a 100% tariff increase
This comes amid efforts to address surging inflation and currency depreciation.
Current pricing regulations, unchanged for 11 years, are straining operators as annual inflation hits 34.6%

Nigerian telecommunications companies, including MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, are lobbying the regulator for a 100% tariff increase to address surging inflation and currency depreciation.

“We’ve requested a 100% price hike to ensure the industry’s sustainability and service quality,” said MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola in an interview with Arise TV.

Current pricing regulations, unchanged for 11 years, are straining operators as annual inflation hits 34.6% and the naira depreciates significantly against the dollar.

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Points clés à retenir

The telecom sector, critical to Nigeria’s digital economy, faces rising costs due to inflation and currency challenges. Operators argue that tariff increases are essential to maintaining quality services and expanding network coverage. MTN Nigeria, a subsidiary of MTN Group Ltd., plans to boost voice and data revenues by increasing rural coverage and 5G broadband adoption in 2025. The outcome of the tariff negotiations will determine the industry's ability to sustain growth and adapt to Nigeria’s challenging economic environment.

Business

Nigeria

MTN

Airtel

Globacom

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