Rising operational costs triggers 50% telecom tariff hike – Communication Minister
…says FG to invest N6bn on 90,000km optic fibre cable
By Tunde Opalana
Minister for Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Tijani Bosun has blamed the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs on global inflation and rising operational costs.
About 48 hours ago, stakeholders meeting in the communication sector approved a fifty percent tariff increment on calls and data.
The Minister clarified issues around tarrif hike on Tuesday while appearing before the joint committees of the National Assembly on Communication.
He said the decision aligns with broader economic patterns, where tariffs can lead to higher consumer prices due to the added costs on imported goods.
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Addressing journalists moments after defending his Ministry’s budget of N12 billion envelop for 2025, Bosun stated that 50% adjustment aligns with broader economic trends.
Going down memory lane, the Minister said tariffs act as a sales tax, causing a one-off price increase rather than sustained inflation.
He further explained that the Federal Government of Nigeria is planning to invest six billion naira to deploy ninety thousand kilometers of fiber optic cable, expanding the country’s capacity from 35,000 kilometers to 125,000 kilometers
The Minister of Communications, during the 2025 budget defence session said the planned deployment of fibre optic cable is an initiative aimed at fostering growth in critical communication sectors.
The last hike was 12 years ago and the new tariff hike comes amid agitations by telecom operators in the last two years, demanding for 100% increase.
