Tariff Increase Will Impede Telecoms Growth, Says NCC

Emma Okonji

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has again kicked against tariff hike in telecoms sector, insisting that any move to increase telecoms’ tariff at a time when Nigerians are facing hard times as a result of fuel subsidy removal, will stiffen both telecoms and economic growth.

NCC said market forces and industry stakeholders’ input will always determine tariff hike and not the other way round where government determines tariff hike in the telecoms industry.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, disclosed this at the weekend while receiving the Titans of Tech Award in Lagos.

The Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka, was also awarded at the Titans of Tech Awards for his contribution in building the image of NCC and putting it in limelight.

Danbatta who was represented at the event by the Lagos Zonal Controller of NCC, Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, received Pan African Telecoms Operator of the year, while Muoka got Digital Public Relations Communicator of the year.

According to Danbatta, NCC has no plans to increase telecoms tariff due to subsidy removal, adding that NCC does not increase tarrif without due consultations.

Responding to questions from journalists on the sideline, Arowosafe said: “In NCC, we don’t just increase rates, but we do a lot of industry consultations before any hike in tariff is introduced and gain tariff hike is largely determined by market forces and industry stakeholders.

Reacting to the awards, Arowosafe said: “For me I am elated that this has happened and the awards have shown that the industry is really doing well under the leadership of Danbatta. We thank Titans of Tech Award for counting the EVC and NCC worthy of these awards.”

In his welcome address, former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Femi Pedro, called for the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), right from primary to tertiary institutions.

Pedro said: “Our university education system must be built around STEM. We cannot compete in today’s world if we don’t adopt technology. It is in fact, a panacea for economic development and that is why I commend the organisers of this award event.”