Nigerian telecom operators have sounded the alarm over the consequences of delaying a tariff review beyond the first quarter of 2025, warning that inaction could jeopardise the sector’s growth, operational stability, and contribution to the economy.
For the first time in over a decade, operators have consistently called for a tariff adjustment this year, citing rising operational costs driven by inflation and macroeconomic pressures.
Telecom executives say failure to implement timely changes could trigger widespread service disruptions and quality deterioration across the country.
“There should be a timeline, and that means everything should happen in the first quarter of 2025,” said the Chairman of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Tony Emoekpere, in an interview with The PUNCH.
He warned that missing this deadline would exacerbate the industry’s challenges. “If nothing is done in the first quarter, the industry will continue to shrink. Infrastructure deployment, equipment procurement, and strategic planning all depend on timely action,” he added.
The telecom chief further emphasised the need for regulatory clarity, stating that even if adjustments do not occur immediately, the industry requires certainty to plan effectively.
