MTN pushes for 100% Tariff hike over rising costs

MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, has disclosed that telecom operators are requesting regulatory approval for a 100% tariff hike on voice and data services due to unsustainable operational costs.

Toriola mentioned in an interview that escalating expenses caused by naira devaluation, increasing diesel prices, and higher costs of materials like batteries and fiber cables are posing a threat to the industry’s sustainability.

“Our costs now exceed revenue, and the industry cannot sustain itself under the current structure,” he said.

While the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has delayed approval due to economic hardships faced by consumers, Toriola remains optimistic about regulatory action. “We are hopeful the right decision will be made for the industry’s sustainability,” he added.

The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, emphasized that tariff revisions are only one of the challenges faced by the sector.