Former Minister of Communications, Dr. Adebayo Shittu has thrown his support behind the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)’s proposed 50% tariff increase for telecom operators, arguing it is essential for Nigeria’s economic advancement.
In an exclusive interview on Eagle 102.5 FM’s Frontline programme, Shittu emphasized the necessity of the tariff hike, dismissing critics who view it as unjustifiable given current economic constraints across sectors.
“Nigeria is a challenging environment, and expecting telecom companies to maintain decade-old tariff rates is unrealistic,” Shittu asserted.
“We must remember these companies are here to provide vital communication services and operate profitably, not as charitable entities.”
Highlighting the stability of telecom prices in Nigeria compared to neighbouring countries like Benin and Algeria, where costs are significantly higher, Shittu stressed the need for a tariff adjustment in line with inflation and operational costs.
“The telecom sector has kept prices stable for over a decade, unlike other sectors grappling with increased operational expenses,” he noted.
Addressing concerns over infrastructure costs, Shittu pointed out the substantial financial outlay required for mast construction, electricity provision, and security measures.
He stressed that these expenditures were crucial for maintaining reliable telecom services amid Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges.
Regarding the Nigeria Labour Congress’s planned February 4 protest against the tariff hike, Shittu criticized the move as unnecessary and urged the labour union to focus on broader economic issues affecting Nigerians.
“With respect to the NLC, singling out telecoms for protest overlooks the larger economic challenges, such as rising food prices, which also impact ordinary Nigerians,” Shittu argued.
Dr. Shittu called on the government to implement policies that alleviate economic burdens while supporting critical sectors like telecommunications.
He emphasized the importance of a balanced approach to ensure sustainable economic growth and continued service delivery to Nigerian consumers.
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