As a Nigerian and a communication consumer in the United States States and my country, Nigeria, my concerns continue to grow over the fraud system that Nigeria Telecoms practices. Coupled with the incessant hike in tariff rates that telecommunications companies impose on the average user. Despite the growing concerns, the government appears deaf to the pleas of Nigerians. The recent approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) of a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs has only increased my irritation and annoyance. How can telecoms charge more for the mediocrity they offer? This hike means that the basic call rate might increase to N16.5 per minute, putting an additional financial burden on Nigerians already struggling with economic hardships.
“A one-month data plan is often exhausted within a week, and consumers have to pay separately for calls and data.”
What makes this situation even more infuriating is the unfair billing system that Nigerian telecom providers enforce. In Western countries like the United Kingdom, telecom companies offer comprehensive plans that bundle data, calls, and SMS for a single monthly fee, while Nigerian consumers are forced to pay separately for each service. For instance, in the UK, telecom providers like Lycamobile and Lebara offer a £5 plan that includes 2.5GB of data, 1,000 call minutes, and 1,000 text messages. A £10 plan provides unlimited calls and SMS, while a £25 plan offers unlimited data, calls, and texts. These bundles provide consumers with value for their money, eliminating hidden charges and unnecessary expenses. While I was using wireless Wi-Fi, I paid £25 for unlimited data, calls, and SMS; my entire household would connect to this Wi-Fi, and we would use it together. This is near impossible in Nigeria.
The reality in Nigeria is far different. A one-month data plan is often exhausted within a week, and consumers have to pay separately for calls and data. The system is structured in a way that maximises telecom operators’ profits while leaving consumers shortchanged. This unfair billing system is not just exploitative—it is an outright fraud. Nigerians are forced to pay multiple times for services that, in many parts of the world, are bundled into affordable packages. The refusal of Nigerian telecom providers to adopt a similar system that the Western world uses exposes a deliberate effort to squeeze more money from consumers without improving service quality.
It even appears that the NCC is hell-bent on multiplying telecom operators’ profit margins at the expense of unsuspecting Nigerians, who are already burdened by harsh economic realities. According to a report by Punch in January 2025, this hike could generate over N6.74 trillion in revenue for telecom operators in 2025 if call volumes remain stable. Imagine generating such an amount with calls alone while delivering the same poor service quality we are getting now.
Read also: NLC threatens nationwide telecoms boycott over 50% tariff hike
Beyond the financial implications, service quality remains a significant concern. Despite NCC’s assurances, consumers continue to experience poor network quality, dropped calls, and slow internet speeds. These issues persist even as Nigerians are asked to pay more, leading to frustration and a sense of being shortchanged. As a regulatory body, the NCC should be balancing the interests of operators and consumers. However, recent policies show that the scales are tipping in favour of operators, disregarding consumer grievances and the declining economy.
While telecom operators may have legitimate reasons for seeking a tariff review, legislators must intervene to strike a fair balance. They must stand and come to our aid. This is the time to stand for the averagerage Nigerian, business owners, schoolchildren and workers who rely on communication to navigate the already hard terrain of Nigeria’s economy.
Understandably, the current tariff is not sustainable for these companies, but a 50% hike is off the charts. But in the case of telecom companies on the 50% hike, any future tariff changes must ensure that payments cover all services—calls, SMS, and data—instead of forcing Nigerians to pay separately for each. Nigerians deserve better. As consumers, we must continue to voice our concerns and hold both operators and regulators accountable. Communication services are not a luxury but a necessity—one that should be both affordable and reliable for all.
Maxwell Adeyemi Adeleye, the Convener of League of Progressive Nigerians, sent this article from London, United Kingdom via [email protected]
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
