Since the federal government approved a 50% tariff hike in January 2025 to supposedly improve telecom services, Nigerians have been left feeling frustrated and shortchanged. Instead of enjoying better service, subscribers now battle frequent call drops, delayed SMS deliveries, and painfully slow internet speeds—all while paying significantly more. The increase saw voice call rates jump from ₦11 to ₦16.50 per minute, text messages from ₦4 to ₦6, and data from ₦350 to ₦525 per GB. For many, it feels like they’re shelling out more money for even less value.
Telecom operators, under the umbrella of ALTON, admit there’s a dip in quality but plead for patience. According to ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo, the ongoing issues stem partly from aging infrastructure that has not kept pace with user demand. Most of the equipment currently in use has been around since the industry’s early days and is now struggling to cope. Though there are plans to expand Nigeria’s fibre optic backbone from 35,000km to 125,000km over the next five years, many fear that help may not come soon enough.
On the ground, subscribers are feeling the brunt. Beyond sluggish networks and dropped calls, complaints about illegal credit deductions and poor customer service have become widespread. Many are also losing unused data due to rollover issues and facing long delays in resolving service complaints. The gap between what consumers are paying and the quality they’re receiving has sparked growing resentment and demands for more transparency and accountability from both telcos and regulators.
With the telecom sector valued at about $76 billion and over 40,000 towers nationwide, stakeholders agree that investment is crucial. However, concerns over the rising cost of imported tech due to global trade tensions could further strain the sector. Adebayo warns that such international economic shifts may impact operational costs for Nigerian telecoms, which could, in turn, affect users again. As it stands, Nigerians aren’t just waiting for better service—they’re demanding it, loudly and clearly.
Source: The Sun