Telecom Operators Demand Tariff Hike to Avoid Shedding

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) announced on Monday that its members would begin service shedding unless steps were taken to raise tariffs. ALTON Chairman Mr. Gbenga Adebayo said the Nigerian telecom sector was confronted with a significant issue that needed immediate attention, stating that operators were fighting for survival because of stagnant tariffs and growing operating costs.

“As we reflect on the end of year 2024, there is a need to issue an urgent and critical call to action for the future of our telecommunications industry.

“The sector’s survival demands immediate and bold reform for its sustainability.

“Tariffs must be reviewed to reflect the economic realities of delivering telecoms services at a minimum for industry sustainability,” he said.

The ALTON leader cautioned that without this assessment, operators could not continue to guarantee service availability, adding that the industry would face severe consequences. Service shedding, economic repercussions, and national economic disturbance are among the repercussions, he continued. Service shedding would also result in millions of Nigerians losing access to services in various locations and during specific hours of the day, according to the statement.

“This will have significant economic fallouts, as businesses will suffer from a lack of connectivity, stalling growth and innovation,” he said.

Along with warning of significant disruptions to the country’s economy, he pointed out that important industries that rely largely on telecom infrastructure, such as healthcare, education, commerce, and security, would be severely impacted. With a warning that inaction could endanger one of the most important pillars of Nigeria’s growth, Adebayo urged stakeholders to recognise the gravity of the situation and pledge to save the industry.

“Let this be the moment when we come together, acknowledge the urgency of the situation, and commit to saving this sector.

“If we fail to act, history will record that we had countless warnings, yet we allowed inaction to jeopardise one of the most critical pillars of Nigeria’s development.

“If we succeed, 2025 can be the year we turn things around, a year of hope, resilience, and sustainability for the telecoms industry,” Adebayo said.

NAN/Chidimma Gold