The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is urging Nigerian telecommunications operators to step up their game and improve service quality, following the recent 50% tariff hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
While acknowledging the financial challenges faced by operators, including high operational costs, the FCCPC emphasized that consumer interests are non-negotiable.
The NCC’s decision to approve a 50% tariff adjustment, rather than the initial 100% proposed by operators, was a deliberate attempt to balance industry sustainability with consumer protection.
Furthermore, the NCC has mandated greater transparency in telecoms, requiring service providers to present clear and straightforward tariff details, free of hidden charges, to help consumers make informed decisions.
The FCCPC highlighted long-standing consumer issues, such as dropped calls, network congestion, inconsistent internet speeds, and poor customer service, which must be resolved to justify the tariff increase.
Consumers have consistently expressed their desire for measurable improvements in service quality before any tariff increases are implemented.
A recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FCCPC and NCC reinforces their commitment to safeguarding consumer interests while promoting fair competition in the telecom sector.
This partnership will oversee the implementation of the tariff adjustment, preventing exploitative practices and ensuring that increased revenues are invested in infrastructure and service delivery improvements.
The FCCPC emphasized that telecom operators must clearly communicate the reasons for the tariff adjustment and how it will enhance service quality.
Operators must prioritize visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service.
The Commission urged consumers to report any inadequacies through official channels for prompt resolution and assured the public that it would closely monitor the situation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
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