Nigeria’s telecommunications operators have issued a stark warning that service disruptions are imminent unless tariffs are adjusted to account for escalating operational costs. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, described the telecom sector as “under siege” due to soaring operational costs driven by inflation, volatile exchange rates and rising energy prices.
Despite these challenges, tariffs have remained unchanged, leaving operators struggling to maintain quality service and expand their networks. Adebayo warned that without an immediate tariff adjustment, operators may resort to service shedding, leading to limited availability of telecom services in certain areas.
Consequences of Inaction
- Service shedding, leaving millions disconnected
- Significant economic fallout, stalling growth and innovation
- National economic disruption, affecting key sectors like security, commerce, healthcare, and education.
Adebayo emphasized that the financial burden on operators has reached unsustainable levels, endangering the sector’s ability to modernize and maintain critical infrastructure. The first call for a tariff adjustment was made in April 2024, but no significant progress has been achieved.
Call to Action
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria have urged the Federal Government to facilitate a constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders to address the sector’s challenges
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