Nigerians may soon encounter varying charges for calls, data, SMS, and other telecommunication services in different states, as telecommunications companies have announced.
This step aims to address the challenges posed by multiple taxation and differing business conditions across various states.
Telecom firms argue that maintaining a single national tariff is no longer suitable because the cost of providing services differs among states.
Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, made this disclosure during his address at ‘The Nigeria eGovernment Summit 2023’ in Lagos.
He emphasized the need to adapt pricing to the local cost of service provision, especially in states burdened with numerous taxes on operators.
Adebayo also highlighted that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is aware of this demand and that providing data to support it is the way forward.
He asserted that the current pricing system for telecom services is unjust to states fostering a favorable business climate and that it’s time for a more regionally adjusted approach.
He pointed out that tariff variations exist globally due to differing regulations and rules in various regions.
Therefore, the era of a single national tariff is outdated, and the current reality necessitates a fresh approach.
Adebayo revealed that the telecom industry is set to engage with the new Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, to discuss this agenda in the coming days.
