NCC Approves 50% Increase in Call Tariffs, Projecting Trillions in Telecom Revenue by 2025

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a 50% increase in call tariffs, raising rates to N16.5 per minute. This decision could lead to telecom operators generating over N6.74 trillion in revenue by 2025 if call volumes remain consistent.

This projection, however, does not account for potential discounts or free call promotions, which could alter actual revenue.

The tariff increase is based on data from the 2023 national telephone traffic report, which showed Nigerians spent 408.5 billion minutes on local calls in 2023, with 205.3 billion minutes of outgoing traffic and 203.2 billion minutes of incoming traffic.

Projected Revenue by Telecom Operators:

MTN dominated call traffic, with 122.7 billion minutes of outgoing calls and 123.8 billion minutes of incoming calls, solidifying its position as the market leader. At the new rate of N16.5 per minute, MTN’s projected revenue from calls alone could exceed N4 trillion, representing over 60% of the market’s total revenue.

Other Operators

• Airtel: Estimated revenue of N1.78 trillion.
• Glo: Expected revenue of N536.2 billion.
• Smile: Projected earnings of N5.7 billion.
• Ntel: Projected revenue of N13.1 billion.
• 9mobile: Expected revenue of N105.6 billion.

SMS Revenue Impact:

The tariff adjustment will also increase SMS charges from N4 to N6, with SMS revenue projections exceeding N137.84 billion by 2025.

In 2023, 22.97 billion SMS were sent, representing an 11.38% decline from 2022. MTN led the SMS market, sending 16.79 billion SMS, contributing to an estimated revenue of N100.72 billion.

The NCC approved the tariff adjustment to address rising operational costs and inflation, which have strained the telecommunications sector. The adjustment aims to enable operators to invest in infrastructure and maintain service quality.

While the NCC capped the increase at 50%, falling below the 100% requested by some operators, consumer groups have expressed concerns. The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has warned that the tariff hike will worsen the financial burden on Nigerians, vowing to take legal action if consumer concerns are not addressed.

The NCC justified the increase under its regulatory powers as outlined in the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. It emphasized that the adjustment would remain within the tariff bands established in the 2013 Cost Study and the newly issued Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, revealed that the government approved a hike between 30% and 60%, significantly lower than operators’ initial demands.

Consumer groups have urged telecom operators to improve service quality in exchange for the higher tariffs. The Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria has warned of legal action if service providers fail to enhance their infrastructure within two weeks of the new rates taking effect in February.

Despite ongoing criticisms, the NCC has assured stakeholders that the tariff hike will be implemented transparently, balancing the interests of both operators and consumers.