FCCPC thumbs up NCC 50% adjustment of telecom tariff 

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said the Nigerian Communications Commission ( NCC’s) approval of a 50% adjustment, which is lower than the over 100% increase initially proposed by operators, demonstrates a thoughtful effort to balance industry sustainability with consumer protection. 

The Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu in a statement said while the FCCPC acknowledges the economic pressures faced by telecom operators, including increasing operational costs, they are unequivocally state that consumer interests remain paramount.

He said 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. 

“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 while implementing measures to mitigate the impact on consumers. 

“The NCC’s approval of a 50% adjustment, which is lower than the over 100% increase initially proposed by operators, demonstrates a thoughtful effort to balance industry sustainability with consumer protection. 

“We are also pleased with the NCC’s directive to operators to ensure that, henceforth, tariffs are clear, straightforward, and free of hidden charges or complexities. 

“Operators are now required to disclose all key details upfront, including the cost, validity period, and the specific inclusions of a plan. Consumers can also expect a mandatory disclosure table from their service providers, enabling them to make informed decisions without worrying about unexpected charges or surprises.

“The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between the FCCPC and NCC highlights a shared commitment to ensuring robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices in the telecommunications sector. It reinforces the principle that any regulatory or pricing adjustment must balance the sustainability of the industry with the interests of consumers.