Airtel Nigeria has blamed a 300 percent rise in the cost of operation for its demand for call, data, and other telecommunications services tariff hikes from the Nigerian government.
Chief Executive Officer Dinesh Balsingh disclosed this in his recent statement on the subject matter.
According to him, the rise in operational costs in the last 18 to 24 months has made tariff adjustments necessary for the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector.
Balsingh highlighted the tough economic realities facing the telecom industry.
He pointed out that tariffs have remained static for over a decade despite significant increases in operating expenses.
Nigerian telcos have submitted their proposal for a 100 percent tariff increase to the Nigerian Communications Commission, the country’s telecom regulator.
According to Balsingh, the proposed tariff adjustments aim to ensure the sector’s sustainability while delivering significant benefits for Nigerian consumers.
“For over a decade, tariffs have remained static despite the dramatic increase in operating expenses, which have surged by over 300 percent in the last 18 to 24 months alone.
“To continue providing high-quality services and meeting the growing demand for digital connectivity, it has become essential to realign our pricing structure with economic realities,” Balsingh emphasised.
Earlier, DAILY POST reported that MTN had also stated that it has submitted a 100 percent tariff hike to NCC due to macroeconomic realities.
Meanwhile, NCC is yet to agree to the proposal by telcos for a tariff hike.
