Nigeria’s telecom users can expect clearer tariff plans and better services as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) mandates operators to simplify their offerings while maintaining high-quality standards. The new guidelines aim to enhance consumer protection and ensure fair competition across the sector.
The framework, detailed in an 11-page document titled “Guidance on the Simplification of Tariffs in the Nigerian Communications Sector (As Amended)”, was officially released in November 2024. It emphasizes that any drop in service quality resulting from tariff changes or promotions must be swiftly addressed. This follows NCC’s analysis of consumer preferences and its extensive consultations with stakeholders, including Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and consumer advocacy groups.
Key Measures for Operators
Under the guidelines, telecom operators are now restricted to offering a maximum of seven tariff plans and 100 promotional bundles per operator. Fixed broadband and fiber-optic plans are exempt from this cap. The NCC also clarified that device financing schemes would not be counted as part of tariff plans.
Operators are required to report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) quarterly, in line with the Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations outlined in the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003. According to the NCC, this will ensure that consumers are not subjected to degraded services due to unregulated promotional activities.
Clearer Communication for Consumers
To empower users, telecom operators must present tariff plans and data bundles in simple and user-friendly formats, including full disclosures via Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) platforms. Bonuses must be stated in actual monetary values, and hidden costs, such as asymmetric access fees, are now prohibited.
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Additionally, all operators are required to offer standalone data bundles at fair prices, ensuring consumers are not forced to pay for unnecessary bundled services. Existing bonus-led tariff plans will remain valid until December 31, 2024, after which subscribers must be migrated to simplified tariff structures.
Dr. Aminu Maida, NCC’s Executive Commissioner, reiterated the need for operators to engage in robust consumer education before implementing the changes. “This initiative will promote transparency, fairness, and informed decision-making by telecom consumers,” the Commission said in its statement.
The NCC also urged operators to address any challenges in implementing the guidelines directly with the Commission to ensure smooth adoption. The regulator stressed that this move is vital for standardizing tariff structures, promoting fair competition, and safeguarding consumer interests in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding telecom sector.
The telecom sector remains one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing industries, contributing 17% to the nation’s GDP in 2023. These reforms are expected to boost consumer confidence and further strengthen the industry’s position in driving digital transformation across the country.
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