The Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) has responded to the recent 50% tariff hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on telecom services. While acknowledging the economic pressures that may have led to this decision, the NIG emphasizes that the increased revenue must translate into substantial improvements in the quality of telecom services. The group’s president, Destiny Amana, expressed concerns about the current state of service delivery, citing issues like poor signal quality, frequent call drops, and unreliable data services as pervasive problems. The NIG urges the NCC to ensure that the tariff increase is not simply a burden on consumers but rather a catalyst for improved network performance and customer satisfaction.
The NIG’s position is conditional: they support the tariff increase only if it leads to demonstrable improvements in service quality. This means better call connectivity, stronger signals, and faster, more stable internet speeds. They call on the NCC to act as a vigilant watchdog, ensuring that telecom operators (telcos) meet established quality standards and refrain from exploitative pricing practices. The NIG stresses the importance of transparency and accountability, urging the NCC to actively monitor telcos’ performance and hold them responsible for meeting metrics related to network uptime, speed, and customer satisfaction. The group warns that if these conditions are not met, the tariff increase will be perceived as an unjustified burden on Nigerian consumers and businesses.
A core concern of the NIG is that the increased revenue generated from the tariff hike should be reinvested directly into improving network infrastructure and enhancing service quality. They urge the NCC to prioritize service excellence and ensure that telcos allocate the additional funds towards network expansion, quality enhancements, and infrastructure development. The NIG emphasizes that this reinvestment is crucial for improving the overall telecom landscape in Nigeria and ensuring that consumers receive tangible benefits from the price increase.
The NIG’s statement highlights the need for a symbiotic relationship between tariff adjustments and service improvements. They argue that while telcos require adequate revenue to invest in their networks, consumers deserve a corresponding increase in service quality. The group advocates for a balanced approach where price increases are justified by tangible improvements in the telecom experience. They call for a regulatory framework that protects consumers from unwarranted price hikes while also allowing telcos to generate the necessary resources for network development.
The NIG underscores its commitment to advocating for a thriving digital economy in Nigeria. They envision an environment where all Nigerians have access to affordable, reliable, and high-quality internet services. The group’s statement emphasizes that improved telecom services are essential for economic growth, social development, and overall national progress. They believe that the current tariff increase presents an opportunity to address long-standing issues with telecom service quality and pave the way for a more robust digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the NIG’s response to the tariff hike underscores the need for a results-oriented approach. They support the increase only if it leads to measurable and enforced improvements in service quality. They call for strict regulatory oversight by the NCC to ensure that telcos reinvest the increased revenue into network improvements, prioritize service excellence, and meet established quality standards. The NIG’s ultimate goal is to ensure that Nigerian consumers and businesses benefit from a thriving digital economy powered by affordable, reliable, and high-quality internet services. They emphasize that the tariff increase should not be a burden but rather a catalyst for positive change in the Nigerian telecom landscape.
