Tariff Hike: FCCPC warns telecos to provide quality service
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has implored telecom operators in Nigeria to ensure increment in tariff is reflected in better services for consumers who rely on telecommunications for both personal and business purposes.
FCCP counsel came amid concerns being raised with respect to the 50 percent hike in tariffs approved for the telecom operators by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In a statement issued by FCCPC Director, Corporate Affairs Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, it acknowledged economic pressures faced by telecom operators increasing operational costs. It noted strongly that, consumer interests remain paramount.
However, the Commission implored Operators to, clearly communicate the rationale for the tariff adjustments to consumers.
“This includes ensuring that consumers are fully informed about the nature of the changes, their benefits, and how they align with efforts to improve service delivery and infrastructure”.
Recalling an MoU recently signed between the FCCPC and NCC, consumer protection body said the MoU, provides a unified framework to oversee the implementation of this tariff adjustment in a manner that meets the needs of consumers.
“The partnership ensures that the increase does not become a justification for exploitative practices but rather an opportunity to foster fairness, transparency, and accountability in the telecommunications sector”.
Part of the FCCP statement read: “The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) notes the announcement by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approving a 50% adjustment in telecommunications tariffs. While the FCCPC acknowledges the economic pressures faced by telecom operators, including increasing operational costs, we unequivocally state that consumer interests remain paramount”.
“The FCCPC acknowledges the intense pressure faced by the NCC over the years to approve tariff increases due to the rising operational costs experienced by telecom operators, which became more pronounced in recent times”.
It lauded NCC , for adopting a deliberate and measured approach by rationalising the tariff adjustment and linking it to commensurate improvements in service quality while implementing measures to mitigate the impact on consumers.
After years of unrelenting push for traffic hike by the telecom operators, on the premise of high operational cost, NCC on Monday , approved 50% adjustment, which is lower than the over 100% increase initially proposed by operators.
The approval came days after FCCPC and NCC signed MoU which provides a unified framework to oversee the implementation of this tariff adjustment in a manner that meets the needs of consumers.
The partnership ensures that the increase does not become a justification for exploitative practices but rather an opportunity to foster fairness, transparency, and accountability in the telecommunications sector.
