Following the recent approval of 50% adjustment in telecommunications tariffs by the Nigerian Communications commission (NCC), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has urged consumers to report any unfair practices or concerns through its official channels to ensure effective resolution.
The FCCPC, in a statement by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, while acknowledging the economic pressures faced by telecom operators, including increasing operational costs, stated that consumer interests remain paramount.
According to the statement, consumers have consistently expressed the desire for measurable improvements in the quality of service before any tariff increases are implemented.
It noted that issues such as network congestion, dropped calls, inconsistent internet speeds, unusual data depletion, and poor customer service have remained prevalent concerns.
“It is, therefore, crucial that tariff adjustments directly translate into demonstrable and tangible service enhancements for consumers”, it said.
While noting that the commission is committed to closely monitoring the impact of these tariff adjustments to ensure compliance with established regulatory standards, it said operators are reminded that the FCCPC is actively working with NCC to address concerns that may be raised by consumers during this transition period and beyond.
“The FCCPC acknowledges the intense pressure faced by the NCC over the years to approve tariff increases due to the rising operational costs experienced by telecom operators, which became more pronounced in recent times.
“It is non-negotiable that telecom operators must prioritise visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service as part of any tariff adjustment. The rationale for the increase must be reflected in better services for consumers who rely on telecommunications for both personal and business purposes.
“Operators are expected to allocate increased revenues responsibly, with an emphasis on infrastructure development and service delivery improvements. 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.
“We are also pleased with the NCC’s directive to operators to ensure that, henceforth, tariffs are clear, straightforward, and free of hidden charges or complexities.
“Operators are now required to disclose all key details upfront, including the cost, validity period, and the specific inclusions of a plan. Consumers can also expect a mandatory disclosure table from their service providers, enabling them to make informed decisions without worrying about unexpected charges or surprises”, it noted.
