Nigeria's Call and SMS Tariffs May Rise Amid Rate Review

The Nigerian telecommunications sector is facing a potential increase in call and SMS tariffs as a result of a review of mobile termination rates (MTR). This review was discussed during a stakeholder consultation forum in Lagos, facilitated by KPMG and attended by Mr.

Wole Adenekan. Current rates are set at N3.90 and N4.70 per minute, but these may be adjusted upward due to rising operational costs, inflation, and the devaluation of the naira.

Omotayo Moham from the NCC indicated that the review aims to align the regulatory framework with the rapid changes in the telecom sector, including the rollout of 5G technology and the emergence of new market players. The last significant adjustment to the interconnection rate regime occurred on June 1, 2018, with subsequent amendments in September 2022.

The NCC is mandated to ensure that telecommunications tariffs remain reasonable and reflect the true costs of service provision.