Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has justified the recent 50% telecom tariff hike, stating it was necessary to prevent job losses and sustain industry growth.
Speaking at the State House, Abuja, Tijani explained that the government carefully assessed the decision due to the telecom sector's vital role in the economy.
With nearly half a million Nigerians employed across its value chain, he warned that failure to approve the hike could lead to company closures and unemployment.
"This government is highly conscious of the economy. Mr. President ensured a thorough evaluation before approving the increase," Tijani said, adding that the government commissioned KPMG to determine the most sustainable tariff adjustment.
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He emphasized that beyond affordability, the government prioritizes quality service delivery.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is now focused on improving not just network quality but the overall user experience.
To support telecom expansion, Tijani highlighted plans to extend Nigeria's fibre-optic network by 90,000 kilometers and construct 7,000 new telecom towers in rural areas.
He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring universal and high-quality connectivity while encouraging continued private-sector investment.
