The Nigerian Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has announced that telecommunication tariffs will undergo periodic reviews to ensure they remain fair and balanced for consumers and operators. Edun made this statement on Thursday during an interview with Arise TV at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The announcement follows the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50 percent tariff increase earlier in the week, a decision that has sparked widespread criticism, particularly from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The NLC described the hike as a “clear assault” on Nigerian workers and called for a possible nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
Addressing the concerns, Edun emphasized that the tariff adjustment was essential for sustaining the telecommunications sector amid rising operational costs and inflation. He reassured Nigerians that the government is committed to maintaining a balance between affordability for consumers and profitability for operators.
“There has been inflation and rising costs, and that has to be reflected for the telcos. At the same time, we want them to foster innovation, create jobs, and contribute to GDP,” Edun said. “The 50 percent tariff adjustment is a starting point, and it will be reviewed periodically through consultations and discussions to ensure fairness and efficiency.”
Edun also urged telecommunication companies to improve service quality, including seamless call terminations and high-quality connectivity, to justify the price increase.
The finance minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a robust telecommunications sector that supports innovation, economic growth, and job creation. He highlighted the sector’s critical role in attracting investments and enhancing Nigeria’s economic landscape.
While the tariff hike has drawn mixed reactions, the government’s pledge to monitor and review the adjustments has provided a measure of reassurance. Nigerians now look forward to seeing how these changes will impact service quality and the economy at large.
