Despite 50% Hike, Nigeria’s Telecom Tariffs Still Among Cheapest – NCC

• NCC states telecom tariffs remain among world’s cheapest despite 50% hike, driven by strong competition across operators

• Plans include launching coverage and tariff maps, spectrum optimization, and discouraging reliance on unverified identity apps like Truecaller

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has defended the recent upward review of telecom tariffs, insisting that Nigeria’s rates remain among the cheapest in the world due to strong industry competition.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said that despite a 50% hike in tariffs, call rates have only moved from ₦15 per minute in the early 2000s to about ₦18–₦19 per minute today.

“Even with the increase, not all operators adjusted their tariffs. Some are still undercutting others. That is competition at work,” Maida explained.

He assured that the commission will continue to strengthen regulations to encourage competitiveness and transparency. According to him, NCC is adopting an information disclosure strategy to enable consumers to make informed choices.

Maida also cautioned Nigerians against relying on Truecaller for identity verification, stressing that it is not linked to Nigeria’s SIM registration database and often provides misleading results. He noted that while all SIMs in use are registered, some individuals deliberately use proxies, including domestic staff, to register SIMs an act he described as a crime.

The NCC boss disclosed that in September, the commission will launch a coverage and tariff map to help subscribers compare network quality and pricing across operators.

He further revealed plans for spectrum trades and leases to optimise usage and improve service delivery, adding that most Nigerian phones already support 4G, which remains the “sweet spot” for mobile broadband.

Maida emphasised the need for fresh capital and stronger corporate governance within the sector to sustain growth, enhance service quality, and strengthen national security.