The Federal Government has defended its decision to approve a 50% tariff hike for telecommunications services, hinging it on job protection for Nigerians and the need not to allow the multinational firms leaving the country.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, made this clarification on Thursday, shortly after he led the management of Airtel Nigeria to the Presidential villa, Abuja to meet with the President, Bola Tinubu. He explained that the decision aligns with the need to ensure sustainability of foreign investment amidst rising operational costs and inflationary trend.
Tijani explained that the government had considered the decision, following the critical role the telecom sector plays in the country’s economy, he noted that the sector, including its entire value chain, employs nearly half a million Nigerians, making it a significant contributor to national development.
Tijani revealed that the tariff increase request had been pending before the current administration took office, but President Bola Tinubu had insisted on a thorough evaluation before approving any adjustments.
Tijani emphasised that the government’s focus extends beyond affordability to ensuring “meaningful access” to telecommunications services.
This involves not only providing connectivity but also guaranteeing high-quality service delivery, ensuring that Nigerians receive the full benefits of digital connectivity.
The Minister affirmed that while private sector investment in the telecom industry remains crucial, the government is actively intervening to guarantee universal access to high-quality connectivity throughout Nigeria
The collaborative approach aims to bridge connectivity gaps and improve service quality nationwide.
Chairman of Airtel Africa, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Said Nigeria is the soul of its operations in Africa, with the potential to match India’s advancements in digital innovation, connectivity, and financial inclusion.
Emphasizing that Airtel’s success in Nigeria is crucial to its overall success in Africa, Mittal stressed that Nigeria’s strategic importance underscores Airtel’s objective which is to drive growth and transformation across the African continent.
