Telecom Operators Warn of Service Risks Without Tariff Adjustment

• Nigerian telecom operators are urging an urgent tariff review to address rising operational costs, warning that service quality cannot be guaranteed
• The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) emphasized that without tariff adjustments, the sector risks significant disruptions in 2025

Telecom operators in Nigeria have called for an urgent review of service tariffs to address the economic challenges of delivering telecommunications services.

Without this adjustment, they warn that quality service and availability cannot be assured, posing economic risks.

Engr is the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) chairman. Gbenga Adebayo, made the appeal on behalf of telecom operators during an industry stakeholders’ event in Lagos.

In a statement released by ALTON on Monday, Adebayo emphasized the need for immediate reforms to prevent the sector’s collapse.

Speaking on the theme “Before the Final Call: Telecom as a Sector Under Siege,” Adebayo highlighted the urgent need to align tariffs with the rising operations costs. He noted that escalating energy prices, inflation, and volatile exchange rates have created an unsustainable financial burden on network operators.

“Our sector is under siege, and the challenges are no longer new but have grown more severe each year,” he said. “Tariffs must reflect the economic realities of maintaining telecom services. Without this, we cannot guarantee service availability or quality.”

He also warned that if decisive action is not taken, hopes for a thriving telecom sector in 2025 could be dashed.

Adebayo stressed that operational costs have soared while tariffs have remained stagnant, leaving operators unable to fund network maintenance, expansion, or modernization.

He urged all stakeholders to take immediate steps to ensure the sector’s sustainability.

“The time for action is now. Let us not wait until it is too late. ALTON is ready to collaborate with stakeholders to secure the future of this vital industry,” Adebayo concluded.