By Godfrey AKON
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has urged telecommunication service providers to significantly improve their services, following the 50 per cent adjustment to telecommunications tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.
In a statement by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC acknowledged the financial challenges faced by telecom operators due to rising operational costs.
However, the commission reaffirmed that consumer interests remain paramount in any pricing adjustment.
It commended NCC for its cautious approach in approving a tariff increase significantly lower than the over 100 per cent hike initially proposed by operators.
According to the statement, the NCC’s decision demonstrates a balanced effort to sustain the telecom industry while safeguarding consumer welfare.
“We commend the NCC for rationalizing the tariff adjustment and linking it to commensurate improvements in service quality while implementing measures to mitigate the impact on consumers,” FCCPC stated.
It stated that telecom operators are now required to ensure that tariffs are transparent and devoid of hidden charges or complexities, stressing that plans must clearly disclose essential details such as cost, validity periods, and included benefits.
The commission said to further protect consumers, the NCC has directed service providers to implement mandatory disclosure tables to enable informed decision-making and prevent unexpected charges.
FCCPC emphasized that service improvements must accompany the tariff hike, addressing longstanding consumer complaints such as: network congestion, dropped calls, inconsistent internet speeds, rapid data depletion and poor customer service.
It reiterated that the tariff adjustments must translate into visible and measurable enhancements in service reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer support.
According to the statement, the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the FCCPC and NCC underscores a shared commitment to consumer protection, fair competition, and eliminating exploitative practices.
It noted that telecom operators are expected to allocate increased revenues toward infrastructure development and improved service delivery.
It said clear mechanisms will be established to monitor fund utilization, ensuring that consumers directly benefit from the adjustments.
The commission added that operators are also required to communicate the rationale for the tariff hike, explaining how the additional revenue will improve service delivery and network infrastructure.
The FCCPC assured the public that it would continue to monitor the implementation of the tariff adjustment in collaboration with the NCC to uphold fairness, transparency, and accountability. Consumers are encouraged to report unfair practices through official channels for prompt resolution.
As Nigeria embraces digital advancements and growing reliance on telecommunications, the FCCPC stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of a thriving telecom sector are extended to all stakeholders, especially consumers.
“Together with the NCC, we will continue to pursue measures that uphold consumer protection and ensure compliance with established standards during this transition and beyond,” FCCPC noted.
