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NCC Launches Tariff Reforms To Boost Telecom Transparency
NCC Tariff Reforms: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to introduce reforms aimed at enhancing tariff transparency in the telecommunications industry.
NCC Tariff Reforms To Provide Better Services To Subscribers
This initiative aims to deliver clear, accessible information about voice, SMS, and data services to subscribers.
The Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, disclosed this while speaking at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament in Abuja on Friday.
He stated that the initiative is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to address consumer concerns over data usage and billing complexities, which have been prevalent in the industry.
Maida explained that earlier this year, the NCC analyzed consumer complaints, identifying data depletion and billing issues as key concerns.
“Recognising these challenges, the Commission, in partnership with major operators, launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness of Smarter Data Usage.
“This campaign educates consumers on managing data effectively, empowering them to optimize data usage through awareness,” he said.
Tariff Transparency To Empower Consumers With Required Knowledge About Data Usage and Billing
According to DataReportal, there are now over 5 billion internet users worldwide, with Nigeria alone accounting for 132 million connections.
Nigerians spend an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes on social media daily, exceeding the global average, underscoring how deeply embedded digital interaction is in their lives.
In 2024, Nigeria’s daily data usage averaged 336 gigabytes per second, a 39 percent increase from the previous year—a testament to the data-driven lifestyle many Nigerians lead.
However, despite this digital immersion, many Nigerian consumers feel their data depletes faster than expected, a sentiment often echoed across the nation.
“In addition, to address tariff complexity, the NCC issued Guidance on Tariff Reforms, requiring operators to provide clear, accessible information on data plans and pricing,” Maida said. “This transparency will empower consumers to make better-informed decisions about their data usage and billing.”
He explained that the reforms would require operators to implement this guidance, presenting consumers with tables detailing their tariff plans, billing rates, and all terms and conditions associated with the plans they subscribe to.
Maida affirmed the Commission’s belief that an informed consumer is a more empowered consumer, improving clarity on data consumption and addressing misconceptions around data depletion.
Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Association of Licenced Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), praised the benefits of tariff reforms, noting that this will give consumers more straightforward and transparent data plans that are easier to compare and understand.
He said, “With simplified tariffs, consumers can make more informed choices about which data packages best meet their needs,” he said.
“Many consumers are concerned about the rapid consumption of their data. Our findings reveal that data depletion is often caused by smart devices running background processes without the consumer’s knowledge.”
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