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MTN appreciates Nigeria's decision on tariff increases

By , Africa editor
Nigeria , 21 Jan 2025
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria.
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria.

MTN Nigeria has commended the Nigerian Communications Commission's (NCC) decision to allow a 50% rate adjustment for telecom operations in the West African country.

This development, according to the telco, is a significant step towards ensuring the long-term viability of the telecoms industry, supporting the country's critical infrastructure and services, empowering millions of people and businesses, and contributing to the country's overall economic development.

The regulator's approval to increase telecom charges comes after MTN, Africa's largest telco, pushed for higher rates in recent weeks.

MTN offers phone, data, fintech, digital, enterprise, wholesale, and API services to 288 million subscribers in 17 markets, with Nigeria accounting for the majority of revenue.

MTN had previously cautioned that if appropriate pricing structures were not used, the sector was at the risk of experiencing a fall in investment, similar to the Nigerian oil industry.

Commenting on the development, MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola said: “This tariff adjustment represents an important step towards addressing the impacts of the prevailing economic challenges on our business and industry.

“It will enable us to maintain the critical investments required to deliver reliable, high-quality services to Nigerians. We remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and driving inclusive growth for all stakeholders.”

The NCC yesterday authorised mobile operators' request for price increases, but capped the adjustments to 50% of current tariffs rather than the 100% demanded by some telcos like MTN.

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