…They have systematically done that already, Netizens react on social media
Minister of Communications, innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani has said that the telecoms tariff will be increased very soon.
The Minister noted that contrary to viral reports making waves on social media, the tariff will not be increased by 100 percent.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, Tijani added that the telecommunications sector must establish proper regulations to ensure its growth.
He assured that the Nigerian Communications Commission would approve and announce the new tariff after ongoing consultations and engagements.
This development may not be unconnected to the economic hardship facing the country.
The minister said: “You have seen over the past weeks that there has been agitation from some of these companies to increase tariffs. They are requesting for 100 per cent tariff increase, But it will not be by 100 per cent; the NCC will soon come up with a clear directive on how we will go about it.
“We want to strike the balance as a government, to protect our people, but also protect and ensure that these companies can continue to invest significantly.
“As a country, over time, we have left these investments in the hands of the private sector. They typically invest where they can see returns in the short to medium term.
“We will not want this conversation to just be about tariff increase. What the world is talking about today is meaningful connectivity, people want to have access to quality service.” he added.
Meanwhile, Nigerians in reaction to the announcement said the telcos have already begun the increase systematically as some claim their data and credit don’t last as much as they ordinarily do, describing it as a new year “shege” from the government.
