FG Under Fire For 50% Telecom Tariff Hike, Attributes Move To Rising Costs And Inflation

The Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has attributed the 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs to inflation and rising operational costs.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Tijani explained that the tariff hike aligns with broader economic realities. He also highlighted the Federal Government’s plan to invest ₦6 billion in deploying 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables, aiming to boost the country’s capacity from 35,000 kilometers to 125,000 kilometers.

Speaking before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Communication while defending the 2025 budget of his ministry, Tijani emphasized the strategic importance of expanding Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure.

He stated, “Apart from South Africa, Egypt, and perhaps Tunisia, many African countries face a severe deficit in fiber optic cable infrastructure. This presents a significant business opportunity. We aim to position Nigerian companies not only to meet local demands but also to provide these services to neighboring countries.”

Tijani stressed the need to build a skilled workforce, saying, “We want Nigerians to become the employees who will carry out this work, enabling our companies to grow and expand, similar to how South African firms have leveraged global markets.”

On security, the minister noted the critical link between communication infrastructure and societal safety. “You cannot secure a society without robust communication networks,” he said, adding that historically, telecom infrastructure investments have been left to private companies.

“These private firms prioritize areas with high economic activity, often identified through nighttime satellite data that show regions with significant lighting. Such areas represent economic viability, which drives their investments,” Tijani explained.

The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to bridging this infrastructure gap and ensuring equitable development across all regions.