The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has urged telecom operators to prioritize quality service delivery following the recent 50% tariffs hike.
The commission emphasized that consumers have consistently demanded measurable improvements in service quality before any tariff increases are implemented ¹.
Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, highlighted prevalent concerns such as network congestion, dropped calls, inconsistent internet speeds, unusual data depletion, and poor customer service. He stressed that tariff adjustments must directly translate into tangible service enhancements for consumers.
The FCCPC and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and eradication of exploitative practices in the telecommunications sector. The MoU reinforces the principle that regulatory or pricing adjustments must balance industry sustainability with consumer interests.
Key Expectations from Telecom Operators:
- Visible and Measurable Improvements: Prioritize network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service enhancements.
- Responsible Allocation of Increased Revenues: Emphasize infrastructure development and service delivery improvements.
- Clear Communication: Inform consumers about tariff adjustments, their benefits, and alignment with service improvement efforts.
- Transparency and Accountability: Establish mechanisms to monitor fund utilization and ensure consumers benefit directly from adjustments.
The FCCPC acknowledged the economic pressures faced by telecom operators but emphasized that consumer interests remain paramount. The commission commended the NCC for adopting a measured approach to tariff adjustments and implementing measures to mitigate the impact on consumers .
