Following the approval of a 50 percent adjustment in telecommunications tariffs in the country, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has mandated the operators to prioritize service improvement including network reliability, speed and accessibility.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondanje Ijagwu FCCPC said although it acknowledges the economic pressures faced by telecom operators, including increasing operational costs, “consumer interests remain paramount.
The FCCPC said the rationale for the increase must be reflected in better services for consumers, stressing that customers rely on telecommunications for both personal and business purposes.
It urged the operators to allocate increased revenues responsibly with an emphasis on infrastructure development and service delivery improvements.
The statement read: “Clear mechanisms must be established to monitor how these funds are utilised, ensuring that consumers directly benefit from the adjustments.
“Operators must also clearly communicate the rationale for the tariff adjustments to consumers. This includes ensuring that consumers are fully informed about the nature of the changes, their benefits, and how they align with efforts to improve service delivery and infrastructure.
“The MoU between the FCCPC and NCC provides a unified framework to oversee the implementation of this tariff adjustment in a manner that meets the needs of consumers.
“The partnership ensures that the increase does not become a justification for exploitative practices but rather an opportunity to foster fairness, transparency, and accountability in the telecommunications sector. ”
By: Baabajide Okeowo