The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has clarified that strong competition in the telecoms sector has kept service tariffs relatively cheap, even after the recent hike.
Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, made this known during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. He explained that voice call tariffs have remained nearly stable for over two decades, averaging about ₦18 per minute compared to ₦15 per minute in the early 2000s.
“But today, even with up to a 50 per cent increase—which, by the way, not all operators applied—the most expensive call rate is about ₦18 or ₦19 per minute,” Maida said. “That is competition at work.”
He added that while some operators had yet to adjust tariffs, others were trying to undercut rivals to retain customers, which further kept prices affordable for subscribers.
The NCC boss assured Nigerians that the commission would continue to strengthen rules and enforcement to encourage competitiveness and ensure that telecom operators provide adequate tariff disclosures.
