The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has urged telecom operators to prioritise service improvements following the recent approval of a 50 per cent increase in telecommunications tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
In a statement released on Wednesday via its official X handle, the FCCPC acknowledged the financial pressures faced by telecom operators due to rising operational costs but emphasised that consumer interests must remain central to any tariff adjustments.
“We unequivocally state that consumer interests remain paramount,” the FCCPC said, stressing that any increase in telecom tariffs must lead to tangible improvements in the quality of service.
The commission praised the NCC for its careful deliberation in approving the tariff adjustment, noting that the approved increase was significantly lower than the over 100 per cent hike initially proposed by telecom operators.
It also commended the NCC for linking the tariff hike to measurable improvements in service quality and implementing measures to minimise the financial burden on consumers.
“We commend the NCC for adopting a deliberate and measured approach by rationalising the tariff adjustment and linking it to commensurate improvements in service quality,” the FCCPC stated.
The commission welcomed a new NCC directive requiring telecom operators to ensure that tariffs are more transparent. Operators must now disclose all critical details of their plans upfront, including costs, validity periods, and benefits. A mandatory disclosure table will also be introduced to help consumers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected charges.
“Consumers should no longer have to worry about hidden charges or unexpected costs,” the FCCPC emphasised.
However, the commission acknowledged ongoing consumer dissatisfaction with poor service quality, such as network congestion, dropped calls, inconsistent internet speeds, and inadequate customer service. It noted that consumers had consistently called for improvements in these areas before any tariff increase.
“It is crucial that tariff adjustments directly translate into demonstrable and tangible service enhancements,” the FCCPC said.
The FCCPC referred to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the NCC, which reaffirms their joint commitment to consumer protection, fair competition, and the elimination of exploitative practices in the telecom sector.
The MoU ensures that any regulatory or pricing adjustments made by telecom operators are balanced with the interests of consumers.
“Operators must prioritise visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service as part of any tariff adjustment,” the FCCPC stated.
The commission also called on telecom operators to allocate the additional revenue generated from the tariff increase towards infrastructure development and enhanced service delivery. It emphasised the need for clear mechanisms to monitor the proper utilisation of these funds for the benefit of consumers.
“Operators must clearly communicate the rationale for the tariff adjustments to consumers, ensuring they are fully informed about how these changes align with efforts to improve service delivery and infrastructure,” it added.
