Telecom operators in Nigeria are calling for an urgent review of service tariffs to align with the economic realities of delivering telecom services, warning that without such a review, quality service and availability could no longer be guaranteed, ultimately harming the economy.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), made the plea on behalf of all operating companies during an industry stakeholders’ event in Lagos on Sunday, as stated by ALTON on Monday.
Adebayo emphasized that the sector is facing significant challenges and requires an immediate tariff review to prevent a collapse. In his speech, titled “Before the Final Call: Telecom as Sector Under Siege,” he stated that the industry urgently needs bold reforms to ensure its sustainability. He warned that if decisive action is not taken, hopes for a better 2025 could be dashed.
“The survival of the telecom sector demands immediate and bold reform,” Adebayo declared. “Our tariffs must be reviewed to reflect the economic realities of delivering telecom services, at a minimum for industry sustainability. Without this, operators cannot continue to guarantee service availability.”
Reflecting on the challenges of 2024, Adebayo noted that while the sector’s difficulties were not new, they had intensified, with rising operational costs, skyrocketing energy prices, inflation, and volatile exchange rates placing a heavy burden on network operators. Despite these pressures, tariffs have remained stagnant, leaving operators in a financial bind.
“The resources needed to maintain, expand, and modernize networks are simply no longer available,” Adebayo warned. “Without intervention, the future of this sector is at grave risk.”
He stressed that immediate action is required and urged all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring the sector’s survival and prosperity. “The time for action is now,” he concluded. “Let us not wait until it is too late. ALTON stands ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure the survival and prosperity of this sector.”
