As conversations intensify around tariff adjustments in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, Airtel Nigeria CEO Dinesh Balsingh has reaffirmed the telecom giant’s commitment to delivering superior connectivity and fostering digital inclusion.

In response to the economic realities of rising operational and capital costs, Balsingh noted that the proposed tariff adjustments aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector while unlocking significant benefits for Nigerian consumers.

In an op-ed authored by Balsingh in which he contextualized the necessity of the tariff adjustments, he explained that “For over a decade, tariffs have remained static despite the dramatic increase in operating expenses, which have surged by over 300% in the last 18 to 24 months alone.

“To continue providing high-quality services and meeting the growing demand for digital connectivity, it has become essential to realign our pricing structure with economic realities.”

Balsingh further highlighted the substantial investments required to maintain and expand telecommunications infrastructure. “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, one that must be shared proportionally to guarantee long-term viability,” he observed.

The proposed tariff adjustments will not only ensure the sector’s sustainability but also bring significant improvements to service delivery, adding: “By enabling us to expand coverage, strengthen network security, and introduce cutting-edge technologies, the adjustments will directly enhance the quality of connectivity for Nigerians.

“Our priority is to ensure that no one is left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey.”

Balsingh emphasized that these adjustments will be implemented with affordability in mind, ensuring minimal impact on consumers. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s vision of becoming a digital economy leader in Africa, empowering businesses, driving innovation, and fostering inclusive growth.

“Our commitment to quality service remains unwavering,” said Balsingh. “While significant tariff adjustments have become necessary, we understand the importance of gradual implementation to support our customers’ financial positions.

“This step will enable us to invest in capacity, expand coverage, and enhance service delivery, ensuring Nigeria remains competitive in the global digital landscape.”

The integration of modern technologies has introduced both challenges and opportunities for the data center workforce. Over the past 15 years, the evolution from finance-focused IT applications to edge computing on the cloud has transformed the industry, steering data centers toward a more distributed IT model.

Today, the emphasis is on sustainability, and selecting the right certifications is pivotal for career development in various roles, ranging from data center design to networking and security.

Ben Selier, Vice President of Secure Power for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric, emphasizes the need for strategic skills development, noting that, “Training and certifications in data centers have traditionally focused on IT-related and non-IT-related roles. With the industry shifting towards sustainability and smart technologies, the need for relevant certifications has never been greater.”

The shift to the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and smart applications has fueled the digital economy but has not been matched by the growth of a skilled workforce. Specialized IT professionals, previously experts in fields like finance software, face the challenge of rapidly outdated skills.

“The adoption rate of technologies like AI—reaching 1,000 million users in just two months compared to the World Wide Web’s seven years—highlights the pressing skills gap in areas such as cooling and power specialization,” Selier explains. Companies are struggling to train or hire fast enough to meet the demand, exacerbating operational issues within data centers.

Modern technologies offer significant competitive advantages, but Selier warns of the challenges: “Attracting and recruiting skilled technicians, engineers, and operators has become a critical priority for the industry. Without proper investment in training, the shortage of qualified staff could hinder growth and innovation.”

Certifications remain a cornerstone for building expertise in the rapidly changing data center landscape. Schneider Electric has been proactive in addressing this need through its Schneider Electric University and comprehensive training services. “Our programs are designed to bridge the knowledge gap, enabling professionals to gain the latest competencies quickly,” Selier notes.

Flexible training plans have also been introduced to meet immediate demands, allowing companies to collaborate with data center partners for temporary solutions while their teams undergo certification. The EcoXpert™ Partner Program, which initially focused on IT solutions, has been expanded to include sustainability certifications for roles such as cooling specialists and systems integrators.

“The program reflects the growing need for sustainability-specific training, empowering partners to adopt innovative technologies in data center design and operations,” Selier explains. The initiative is designed to educate and create opportunities for collaboration across industry.

The rise of AI, cloud, edge computing, and IoT has disrupted traditional data center operations, making advanced certifications essential for career growth. Certified EcoXpert partners gain expertise in areas such as power distribution, grid management, and new energy landscapes.

“Acquiring skills in emerging technologies not only breaks traditional constraints but also propels the career trajectory of data center professionals,” Selier asserts. The expanded EcoXpert program is tailored to meet the evolving needs of individuals and organizations, fostering collaboration and innovation in critical infrastructure.

He concludes with the statement, “The future of the data center industry depends on our ability to develop talent, embrace sustainability, and invest in skills that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving landscape.”

Subscribers have said they are preparing to sue telecommunications companies over a proposed tariff hike that could double service costs nationwide.

Adeolu Ogunbanjo, national president, National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), said that his group plans to file a class-action lawsuit if the telecom operators proceed with the hike without first exploring alternative revenue-generating methods.

Punch reported that Ogunbanjo criticised the proposed 100 per cent tariff hike as excessive and unsustainable, urging the Nigerian Communications Commission to deny the operators’ request.

“Initially, we were looking at a marginal increase of five per cent to 10 per cent. Then the NCC considered a 40 per cent increase. Now, telcos are proposing 100 per cent, and we are saying no,” Ogunbanjo.

The proposed tariff hike would raise the cost of a voice call from N11.00 to N22.00 per minute, an SMS from N4.00 to N8.00 per message, and a 1GB data bundle from N1,000 to N2,000.

The NCC is currently reviewing the proposal and has not yet made a final decision.

Ogunbanjo warned that NATCOMS was ready to challenge any approval in court, stating, “This is a sector of national interest, and we will not hesitate to seek legal redress to protect subscribers’ rights.”

The NATCOMS president suggested that telecom operators explore the capital market as an alternative to raising tariffs.

“They can go to the Nigerian Stock Exchange to raise funds. Nigerians will buy their shares, and I am confident it will be oversubscribed. MTN has already done this successfully; other operators like Glo and Airtel should follow suit,” he added.

Ogunbanjo acknowledged the financial pressures faced by telcos, including inflation and rising operational costs. However, he emphasised that subscribers should not bear the brunt of these challenges without first exploring other viable funding options.

“If the operators cannot meet their financial needs after raising funds through the stock exchange, they can return to the table for discussions,” he said.

The consumer group argued that the proposed hike would disproportionately affect low-income subscribers and could hinder access to essential communication services.

Recall that, Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria had recently said that telcos had formally submitted requests to the NCC for the 100 per cent tariff hike.

“We’ve put forward requests of approximately 100 per cent tariff increases to regulators. I doubt they’re going to approve that quantum of increases because they are very, very sensitive to the current economic situation in the country,” Toriola said.

He defended the proposed hike as essential for the sustainability of the telecom sector, which has been grappling with rising operational costs.