Abuja—The House of Representatives has directed the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to suspend the proposed hike in telecommunications tariffs until service quality improves.

The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved during Tuesday’s plenary by Hon. Oforji Oboku.

Presenting the motion, Oboku referenced a statement by Dr. Tijani during a stakeholders’ meeting with Mobile Network Operators in Abuja on January 8, 2025, where the minister disclosed plans for an imminent tariff increase.

The lawmaker noted that telecom companies have justified the hike by citing rising costs of investment, the need for better network infrastructure, and growing demand for digital services across critical sectors such as education, banking, and healthcare.

He recalled that telecommunications companies, through the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), have been pushing for a tariff adjustment for over a decade.

However, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the planned increase, calling it “insensitive” and an added burden on Nigerians already struggling with economic hardship and poor network services.

Oboku acknowledged the economic challenges faced by telecom operators, including record inflation of 34.6% in November 2024 and losses due to foreign exchange fluctuations. Nonetheless, he insisted that improving service delivery should take precedence before any tariff adjustment is considered.

He warned that an increase in telecom tariffs could worsen financial hardships for Nigerians, hinder economic growth, and widen inequalities, particularly affecting low-income families.

Following deliberations, the House resolved to urge the Communications Minister and NCC to put the tariff hike on hold until service quality significantly improves.