The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has dismissed rumors of a telecommunications tariff increase set to take effect in January 2025. The Commission described these reports as unfounded and misleading. A senior NCC official emphasized that the regulatory body operates under a transparent framework guided by the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA). This framework requires stakeholder consultations and adherence to due process before any tariff adjustments are approved.
The NCC urged subscribers to disregard the misinformation and assured Nigerians that updates on tariffs or related matters would be disseminated through official channels. The Commission reiterated its commitment to consumer interests and the stability of the telecommunications industry.
“These rumors are baseless and misleading,” the official stated. “The NCC is committed to protecting consumers and ensuring any potential tariff changes are communicated clearly and transparently. Subscribers can rest assured that no tariff increase has been approved.”
The NCC also appealed to journalists and industry stakeholders to verify information before publication, highlighting the importance of accurate reporting to avoid unnecessary public panic. The Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) also weighed in, dispelling the rumors. ATCIS National President, Mr. Sina Bilesanmi, said the association sought clarification directly from the NCC on December 24, 2024.Both the NCC and ATCIS reiterated their commitment to consumer protection and urged subscribers to rely on verified information from credible sources. This collaborative effort aims to maintain transparency and trust in the telecommunications sector.
“The NCC confirmed there is no truth to claims of call charges increasing to N15.40 per minute from N11, SMS charges rising to N5.60, or 1GB of data costing N1,400 instead of N1,000,” Bilesanmi said. “Any changes in tariffs, if necessary, will follow due process and involve input from all stakeholders, including ATCIS. There is no cause for alarm.”
By dismissing the tariff hike rumors, the NCC and ATCIS have alleviated concerns among telecommunications subscribers in Nigeria. The clarification provides reassurance that any future changes to tariffs will be communicated through official channels and follow due process.
Source : https://www.vanguardngr.com/
