The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has announced that Nigerians will face a tariff increase of 30 to 60 percent for telecommunications services, including calls and data. Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, he explained that the hike is necessary due to the rising costs of infrastructure and inflation in the sector. He emphasized that continuous investment is required to maintain and upgrade telecommunications technology, ensuring Nigeria’s digital economy remains competitive.
Tijani highlighted that the telecommunications industry relies on constant investment, with operators needing to upgrade equipment and transition to newer technologies. He pointed out that foreign direct investment in the sector during the first quarter of 2024 reached nearly $199 million, surpassing the total inflow for 2023. He stressed that for Nigeria to achieve a $1 trillion economy, telecom operators must continue to invest significantly rather than at a slow pace.
This announcement follows his earlier confirmation that telecom tariffs would rise, though not by 100 percent. The decision reflects efforts to balance consumer affordability with the financial sustainability of network providers. With inflation and economic pressures affecting infrastructure costs, the government aims to ensure the sector remains attractive to investors while maintaining service quality for Nigerians.
