Sunday, February 16, 2025

Nigeria’s 50% Tariff Hike Could Unlock $150m, Expand 4G to Millions – GSMA

A 50% increase in mobile tariffs could inject over $150 million into Nigeria’s telecom sector, expanding 4G coverage to 94% of the population, according to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA).

The GSMA welcomed the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of the first tariff adjustment in 12 years, calling it a vital step toward improving network infrastructure and digital access. The move is expected to provide mobile internet to an additional 9 million Nigerians, including 2 million in underserved rural areas.

Boosting Economic Growth and Job Creation

Beyond improving connectivity, the GSMA estimates that increased investment in mobile infrastructure could boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by two percentage points by 2028. The expansion is also projected to create nearly 2 million jobs and generate an additional ₦1.6 trillion in tax revenue.

Angela Wamola, GSMA’s Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, praised the decision but urged further reforms. “This is an important milestone for Nigeria’s digital future,” she said. “Sustainable investment will enhance service quality, unlock innovation, and drive economic growth.”

She added that simplifying Right of Way permits, securing telecom infrastructure, and reducing the tax burden on operators would accelerate digital adoption and maximise the benefits of the tariff adjustment.

Nigeria’s Digital Future at Stake

The GSMA highlighted that stronger mobile networks would support emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling advancements in agriculture, transport, and healthcare.

It also pointed to similar policy reforms in Kenya and South Africa, where digital inclusion has spurred economic development.

With mobile services playing a critical role in Nigeria’s economy, the GSMA reaffirmed its commitment to working with regulators and industry stakeholders to ensure the benefits of digital connectivity reach all Nigerians.

Hot this week

Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking: A New Craze for Muffling Expressions on Social Media in Nigeria

In the digital age, social media has emerged as...

Kenya’s Rose Exports Wither Under Pests, EU Regulations

Kenya's $1 billion flower export industry, a lifeline for...

Tinubu Joins African Union Summit to Push for Reparatory Justice, Economic Development

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,...

Nigeria to Boost Lagos-Kaduna Freight Rail to Full Capacity by Q2 2025

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is ramping up freight...

How Nigeria Spends ₦407 Billion on Fuel Imports in 12 Days

Nigeria's state-owned oil firm, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company...

Dangote Group to Invest $400M in Ethiopia Cement Expansion Amid Market Growth

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is doubling down on...

Djibouti’s Youssouf Secures AU Commission Chair, Pledges Security and Unity

Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has emerged as...

Nigeria Sees 9,100 Childhood Cancer Cases Annually Amid Calls for Urgent Action

Nigeria records approximately 127,000 cancer cases annually, with children...

Nigeria’s Defence Chief Exposes Foreign Links to Boko Haram, Calls for Action

Chief of Defence Staff General CG Musa has indeed...

Ex-Lagos Speaker Obasa Sues Assembly Over Impeachment, Seeks Urgent Court Ruling

Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly,...

Nigeria to Boost Lagos-Kaduna Freight Rail to Full Capacity by Q2 2025

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is ramping up freight...

Kenya’s Odinga, Djibouti’s Youssouf Lead Race for AU Commission Presidency

The race to lead the African Union (AU) Commission...

Related Articles

Popular Categories