The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has instructed telecommunications operators to prioritize improvements in service, including network reliability, speed, and accessibility, as part of planned tariff increases.

Recent reports from JOINTEARN indicate that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a 50% increase in telecom tariffs nationwide.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondanje Ijagwu, the FCCPC acknowledged the economic challenges faced by telecom operators, such as rising operational costs. However, it emphasized that “consumer interests remain paramount.”

The FCCPC stated that the justification for the tariff increase should be reflected in enhanced services, noting that consumers depend on telecommunications for both personal and business use.

It urged operators to allocate the additional revenue wisely, focusing on infrastructure development and improving service delivery.

“Clear mechanisms must be put in place to monitor how the increased funds are used, ensuring that consumers directly benefit from the tariff adjustments,” the FCCPC said.

The commission also stressed the importance of transparency, urging operators to clearly communicate the reasons behind the tariff increases, how they will benefit consumers, and how they align with improvements in service delivery and infrastructure.

The FCCPC highlighted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FCCPC and NCC provides a unified framework to oversee the implementation of the tariff adjustments, ensuring they serve consumers’ interests.

This collaboration aims to prevent the tariff increase from being used as an excuse for exploitative practices, fostering fairness, transparency, and accountability in the telecommunications sector, according to the FCCPC.