Nigeria’s Telecom Sector Can’t Compete Globally Without Tariff Increase —ATCON

The President of the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Emoekpere, has assured Nigerians that the recent telecom tariff increase is a necessary step to sustain and improve digital infrastructure in the country.

Emoekpere acknowledged public concerns about the hike but emphasized its long-term benefits in Ibadan on Wednesday.

He said telecom operators had operated under immense financial strain due to foreign exchange fluctuations, high energy costs, multiple taxation, and rising infrastructure expenses over the years.

These challenges, he noted, had made it increasingly difficult to expand network capacity, improve service quality, and bridge the digital divide.

“Without adjustments in pricing, Nigeria’s digital infrastructure risks stagnation, making it harder for the country to compete in the global digital economy,” he said.

He stressed that the price adjustment was not just about revenue but about securing the necessary resources to enhance service quality.

Emoekpere said, “This tariff increase is an investment in the future of Nigeria’s digital economy, as it will enable operators to expand 4G and 5G coverage across more locations, particularly underserved areas.

“This increment will bring about the upgrade of network sites to ensure better reliability. It will also enhance broadband speeds to support businesses, education, fintech, telemedicine, and other critical digital services.

“At the end of the day, the success of this move will be measured by real and tangible improvements in quality of service with faster internet speeds, fewer dropped calls, and wider coverage, leading to the digital transformation we all desire.”

He noted that the Global System for Mobile Communications Association has recognised that sustainable pricing is crucial for long-term network investments, adding that without the increase, sustaining network investments and ensuring good service quality would be difficult.

Emoekpere also highlighted other critical industry issues that must be addressed to support digital transformation.

“The focus should also be on simplifying Right of Way permits to speed up fibre deployment” he said urging that “It should also focus on fully enforcing Critical National Information Infrastructure protections to stop vandalism of telecom assets.

“Again, we should emphasise the reduction of the multiple layers of taxation that telecom operators face at federal, state, and local levels, and provide incentives for rural broadband expansion to ensure digital inclusion across all communities,” he said.

Emoekpere said consumers’ right on services and satisfaction should be paramount.

“The tariff increase should come with a visible improvement in quality, faster speeds, wider coverage, and greater reliability” he noted.

Nigeria’s Telecom Sector Can’t Compete Globally Without Tariff Increase —ATCON is first published on The Whistler Newspaper