“Tariff Hike Necessary for Nigeria’s Digital Growth”—ATCON President
The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has defended the recent increase in telecom tariffs, emphasizing that the adjustment is crucial to sustaining and improving Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
ATCON President Tony Emoekpere acknowledged public concerns but stressed that rising operational costs—including forex fluctuations, high energy prices, and multiple taxation—had made the increase inevitable.
Why Telecom Tariffs Had to Increase
According to Emoekpere, the telecom industry has faced financial strain for years, making it difficult to:
✅ Expand network coverage (especially in underserved areas)
✅ Improve service quality (faster internet, fewer dropped calls)
✅ Enhance broadband speeds (supporting fintech, e-learning, and telemedicine)
“Without adjustments, Nigeria’s digital economy risks stagnation, making it harder to compete globally.”
He described the hike as an investment in the future, enabling telecom operators to roll out better 4G and 5G services nationwide.
Industry Challenges Beyond Tariff Adjustments
While defending the price increase, ATCON also called on the government to:
Simplify Right of Way permits to speed up fiber deployment
Enforce telecom infrastructure protection to prevent vandalism
Reduce multiple taxation at federal, state, and local levels
Provide incentives for rural broadband expansion to promote digital inclusion
Emoekpere praised recent regulatory progress, such as resolving the USSD debt issue, and expressed optimism that the government would continue to address telecom sector challenges.
What Consumers Should Expect
ATCON assured Nigerians that the tariff increase must come with visible service improvements, stating that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set clear quality benchmarks.
“Consumers have the right to demand better services—faster speeds, wider coverage, and greater reliability. Operators are fully committed to meeting these expectations.”
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