The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a comprehensive review of telecom interconnection pricing in partnership with KPMG, marking the first major reassessment of the sector’s tariff framework in nearly a decade.

The review was formally launched on Tuesday in Lagos during a Mobile Termination Rate (MTR) stakeholder forum attended by regulators, telecommunications operators and other industry stakeholders.

Mobile Termination Rates are the regulated charges telecom operators pay one another for completing calls across different networks. The rates play a critical role in determining competition, investment decisions and retail pricing within the telecommunications industry.

According to the NCC, the current framework, introduced in 2018 and last adjusted in 2022, no longer reflects prevailing market realities due to significant changes in technology, business models and economic conditions.

The commission noted that the rollout of 5G technology, the rapid expansion of data-driven services and the emergence of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) have transformed Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape. It also cited inflation and currency depreciation as factors that have significantly increased operational costs for service providers.

Speaking at the forum, the Head of Competition and Tariff at the NCC, Omotayo Mohammed, said the exercise goes beyond a routine tariff review and is intended to ensure that regulatory frameworks remain aligned with ongoing developments in the industry.

He explained that the telecommunications market has undergone major changes since the last tariff determination, both in technology deployment and market structure.

“For regulation to remain effective in a fast-moving market, our frameworks must evolve in step with it,” Mohammed said.

He added that the review is being conducted under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to ensure that telecom tariffs remain cost-reflective, fair and non-discriminatory.

KPMG, which is leading the consultancy component of the review, said the exercise will combine data analysis, stakeholder engagement and international benchmarking to develop recommendations for a revised pricing framework.

KPMG Partner and Head of Tax, Wole Obayomi, stated that the review aims to identify gaps in the current pricing regime and determine whether a structured review cycle should be introduced.

“It is important that we get input from the industry in terms of potential solutions and recommendations to address the shortfalls,” Obayomi said.

As part of the process, the NCC and KPMG will assess pricing practices across wholesale and retail market segments, evaluate emerging telecom services and determine whether they are adequately covered by existing regulations.

The review will also examine the sustainability of current tariff structures, focusing on investment capacity, service quality and consumer affordability.

Telecom operators will be required to submit detailed financial and operational data, including revenue, costs, profitability, market share, capital expenditure, service quality indicators and usage trends spanning several years.

According to KPMG, the information will provide deeper insights into industry performance and help evaluate the long-term impact of existing pricing regulations.

The engagement process will involve consultations with mobile network operators, mobile virtual network operators, international carriers, clearing houses and interconnect exchange providers.

In addition, the NCC and KPMG will benchmark Nigeria’s telecom pricing framework against those of peer markets such as South Africa and Kenya, as well as emerging economies including Indonesia and Malaysia, to identify global best practices and guide future regulatory reforms.

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The Nigerian Communications Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria have jointly launched a new portal designed to track fraudulent and suspicious phone lines, in a move aimed at strengthening consumer protection and curbing electronic fraud.

The initiative, unveiled alongside the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between both regulators, is expected to improve transparency and deepen collaboration between the telecommunications and financial sectors.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Aminu Maida, described the agreement as a critical step toward enhancing regulatory coordination in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

He noted that the increasing reliance on mobile numbers for identity verification and financial transactions makes closer cooperation between regulators essential.

According to Maida, the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System portal will provide financial institutions with real-time access to the status of phone numbers used in transactions.

“The platform aggregates data on recycled or churned lines and flags numbers linked to suspicious activities. This enables banks to verify whether a line is active, swapped, disconnected, or reassigned,” he said.

He added that the system would significantly strengthen efforts to combat fraud, particularly those executed through mobile channels.

Beyond fraud detection, Maida highlighted the portal’s role in improving consumer protection, noting that issues such as failed airtime recharges and transaction disputes would now be resolved faster through coordinated regulatory actions.

On his part, the Governor of the Central Bank, Olayemi Cardoso, said the partnership would enhance cooperation in areas such as regulatory approvals, technical standards, and financial innovation.

He explained that the agreement aligns with the bank’s broader objective of building a secure, inclusive, and resilient financial system.

Cardoso also announced the establishment of joint committees focused on payment systems, consumer protection, and the operation of the new portal, to ensure continuous engagement and proactive responses to emerging risks.

The collaboration, according to both agencies, places consumer safety at the forefront while supporting innovation and boosting confidence in Nigeria’s digital financial services space.

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Telecom subscriptions 182 million has become a key milestone as Nigeria’s telecom sector continues to expand. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) confirmed that total active subscriptions rose to 182.2 million.

The figure shows steady growth in mobile and internet usage across the country. It also reflects increased demand for digital services and stronger network adoption.

According to NCC data, subscriptions increased by about 2.5 million in one month alone. This rise indicates that more Nigerians now rely on mobile connectivity for communication, business, and daily activities.

Data Usage Surge Drives Telecom Subscriptions 182 Million Growth

The rise in telecom subscriptions 182 million is strongly linked to a surge in data usage nationwide. Nigerians now consume more internet data due to social media, streaming platforms, and remote work.

In addition, businesses and students increasingly depend on stable internet connections. This shift continues to push operators to improve network quality and expand coverage.

Recent reports show that data traffic keeps growing across all major telecom providers. As a result, companies are investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades to handle the rising demand.

NCC Highlights Internet and Mobile Expansion

The NCC report shows that more Nigerians now rely on mobile internet services. A large percentage of telecom users are now active internet subscribers, reflecting the country’s digital shift.

This trend highlights the growing importance of connectivity in everyday life. Moreover, broadband penetration continues to improve across both urban and rural areas.

Government and private sector initiatives are also helping to expand access. Therefore, more communities now benefit from improved communication and digital services.

Industry Growth Strengthens Nigeria’s Digital Economy

The telecom sector continues to play a vital role in Nigeria’s economy. Increased subscriptions and higher data usage support sectors such as financial technology, e-commerce, and online services.

Furthermore, telecom operators are benefiting from rising demand for digital communication. This growth is opening new opportunities for investment, innovation, and job creation.

According to industry data, Nigeria’s telecom sector remains one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy. It continues to attract both local and international investors.

Telecom subscriptions 182 million highlight Nigeria’s rapid digital transformation. The surge in data usage and internet adoption continues to reshape how people communicate and conduct business.

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‎The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is intensifying efforts to secure the nation’s telecom networks with a new cybersecurity framework designed to strengthen digital infrastructure and improve online safety for millions of consumers.
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‎The initiative, which is expected to be rolled out by telecom operators in 2026, is aimed at tackling evolving security risks posed by emerging technologies while reinforcing Nigeria’s transition to a resilient digital economy.
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‎Speaking at the second stakeholders’ meeting on the framework in Abuja on Wednesday, NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, underscored the urgency of adopting a comprehensive and adaptive approach to combating sophisticated cyber threats.

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‎ “With the increasing digitalization of services and the rise of complex cyber-attacks, the need for a robust, inclusive, and future-ready cybersecurity framework has never been more urgent,” Oshadami said.
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‎He noted that cyber threats today go beyond traditional concerns of data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, adding that both state and non-state actors are now targeting critical sectors through coordinated cyber and physical attacks. According to him, these threats endanger not just system performance but human safety, especially when vital communications infrastructure is disrupted.
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‎The NCC executive further stressed that the telecom industry, as the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, remains both a strategic national asset and a prime target for malicious actors.
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‎The Abuja meeting brought together telecom licensees, government agencies, and other stakeholders to review progress made since the initial engagement earlier this year. Participants assessed the refined framework, design principles, and proposed implementation strategies.
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‎Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, Chief Executive Officer of CyberNover the consultants leading the project presented the proposed framework, while Babagana Digima, NCC’s Head of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance, confirmed that the project, supported by the World Bank, is scheduled to be finalized by the third quarter of 2025, with implementation to commence in early 2026.
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‎The Commission emphasized that the framework is being developed through an inclusive process that encourages shared responsibility and strong public-private partnerships.
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‎ “With collective expertise and collaboration, we can co-create a system that not only secures our networks but also drives innovation, competitiveness, and long-term growth for Nigeria’s telecom sector,” Oshadami assured.
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‎The forum provided an opportunity to consolidate a shared understanding of the strategic importance of cybersecurity, ensuring resilience across Nigeria’s communications industry and reinforcing the country’s preparedness against emerging digital threats.

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‎The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken its consumer awareness campaign to Corps Members at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camps in Keffi, Nasarawa State, and Paiko, Niger State, with a strong focus on tackling data depletion challenges.
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‎Speaking through the Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mrs. Freda Ruth Bruce-Bennett, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the Commission remains committed to protecting telecom subscribers’ interests in Nigeria’s fast-changing digital space.
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‎The sensitisation, themed “Consumer Sensitisation on Data Depletion: The Role of National Youth Service Corps Members”, was organised in response to rising complaints by consumers about unexplained data usage.
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‎During the session, the NCC outlined major causes of excessive data consumption, such as video streaming, automatic app updates, and hotspot sharing. Corps Members were also given practical tips on smart data management, including monitoring usage, restricting background data, and activating data-saving modes.
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‎The Commission urged the Corps Members to serve as “Consumer Champions”, spreading awareness on telecom rights and helping others adopt effective data management practices.
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‎To make the exercise more engaging, NCC organised an interactive quiz competition where participants won prizes, including power banks, airtime, and data bundles. The activities drew excitement among the youths while reinforcing the Commission’s goal of combining education with consumer empowerment.
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‎In addition to the sensitisation, NCC donated welfare items including three 50kg bags of rice and three 25-litre gallons of vegetable oil each to the NYSC secretariats in Nasarawa and Niger States. The items were received by the State Coordinators, Hajiya Salamatu Mohammed and Mrs. Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim, who commended NCC for supporting the welfare of Corps Members while empowering them with knowledge that extends beyond their service year.

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This will push the floor price (minimum acceptable price) of calls to N9.6 per minute from N6.40 and make the ceiling price (maximum acceptable price) of calls to N50; the cost of SMS to N6 from N4; and the cost of 1GB of data to N431.25 from N287.5. The average price of calls will be N16.5/minute from N11.

“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 percent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 percent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability,” the NCC said in a statement signed by its director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.

This is less than the 100 percent that telecommunication firms asked for and within the range that Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, revealed last week. According to the minister, the price of telecom services would go up by 30 and 60 percent.

This announcement follows a decade-long agitation for tariff hikes by telcos, who have faced a harsh operating environment that has spiked their operating cost by 300 percent over the years. Record losses since 2023 after a significant devaluation of the naira have further compounded telcos’ woes, fueling their requests for tariff hikes.

“Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators,” the NCC explained.

The tariff hike aims to address the gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised, it stated. It noted that the adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study and will be implemented in adherence to its recently issued Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.

The commission highlighted that these adjustments would support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage.

Earlier, telecom companies disclosed that a projected tariff hike would be tied to their commitment to increase investments in network infrastructure. Between January and September 2024, MTN Nigeria’s core capital expenditure (capex) dropped 27.79 percent to N217.64 billion, while Airtel’s capex fell 36.59 percent to $149 million.

Karl Toriola, chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria, said, “This balance of tariff increases, alongside investment commitments, means that not only will the telecoms industry have the confidence to invest and a clear pathway back to sustainability – but the higher prices will lead to better networks, more relevant services, and so the better customer experience that enables growth.”

“The increasing demand for digital services across sectors such as education, banking, and healthcare requires us to continually upgrade our networks to deliver more capacity and improve service quality. These investments come at a cost that must be shared proportionally to guarantee long-term viability,” added Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria.

While the NCC has approved cost-reflective tariffs, subscribers will bear the brunt more in the face of shrinking wallets caused by record inflation, which stood at 34.8 percent in December 2024. According to subscriber associations like the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), this represents additional costs in the face of harsh economic realities.

“This, undoubtedly, is against the public interest, contrary to the false narrative of NCC that described the recent adjustments as pro-public interest,” the body stated.

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