Telecom
NANS Threatens Nationwide Protests over 50 Percent Telecom Tariff Hike
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the recently approved 50 per cent increment in telecommunications tariffs by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and the Ministry of Communications, Digital Economy, describing it as not only abnormal but inconsiderate and unjustifiable.
NANS in a statement signed by Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, clerk of the Senate, National Headquarters, warned the NCC and the Ministry of Communications, Digital Economy to review the increment within 72 hours or risk a nationwide protest by over 40 million Nigerian students already going through untold hardships occasioned by rising inflation.
Comrade Uthman stated further, “This decision is not only abnormal but also highly inconsiderate and unjustifiable, especially in the current socio-economic climate that has placed an unbearable burden on Nigerian students and citizens.
“In an era where digital connectivity has become indispensable to education and daily life, such a steep increment will have far-reaching consequences for students. The proposed hike will escalate the cost of internet data and other telecommunication services, which are critical tools for learning, research, and academic activities.
“The harsh realities of Nigeria’s economic situation—marked by rising tuition fees, expensive transportation, increased accommodation costs, and general inflation—already weigh heavily on the shoulders of students and their families.”
NANS emphasised that adding a 50% tariff increment to these challenges amounts to an outright disregard for the welfare and progress of Nigerian students, saying that the association had over the year been at the forefront for affordable and inclusive access to digital infrastructure as a way to bridge the educational gap in Nigeria.
It stated that the NCC’s decision, if implemented, will further exacerbate the digital divide, excluding millions of students from accessing quality education and information as it raised concerns that the policy undermines the government’s commitment to youth development, innovation, and the digital economy agenda.
Considering the challenges faced by the telecommunications industry, including inflation and operational costs, NANS cautioned that the burden of these challenges should not be transferred to the masses, especially Nigerian students and urged the NCC and the Ministry of Digital Economy to explore alternative measures to address these issues without jeopardizing the affordability and accessibility of telecommunications services.
NANS explained further ,”As stakeholders in the future of this nation, we call for immediate dialogue with the NCC, the Ministry of Digital Economy, and relevant telecommunications stakeholders to discuss a fair and balanced approach that prioritizes the welfare of Nigerian students and citizens. We believe that together, we can find a sustainable solution that balances industry growth with public interest.
The statement added, “As the umbrella body of Nigerian students, NANS cannot sit idly by while policies detrimental to the collective interest of over 40 million Nigerian students are implemented without due consideration.
“We hereby issue a 72-hour ultimatum to the NCC to review this tariff increment and take decisive steps toward its reversal. Failure to heed this call will leave NANS with no other choice but to embark on a nationwide mass protest to demand justice and fairness for Nigerian students.
“We are prepared to mobilize all student leaders, unions, and organizations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to peacefully demonstrate against this decision.”
It warned that the planned protests will not only demand the reversal of the tariff increment but also advocate for broader consultations with stakeholders before any future policies affecting the public are implemented, saying it remained committed to peaceful advocacy and dialogue as a means of resolving issues but with limited patience.
The review, which comes amid rising inflation and economic pressures, has elicited mixed reactions. While consumers have expressed affordability concerns, industry players see it as a long-overdue adjustment to sustain operations and improve service delivery.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have teamed up to develop an initiative that will reduce the $350 million annual spending on diesel by telecom operators in Nigeria.
According to a press statement by Nnenna Ukoha, acting had of Public Affairs, NCC, this collaboration will focus on deploying renewable energy solutions to support telecom infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
To that end, the two agencies have inaugurated what they called NCC–REA Collaboration Committee, aimed at deploying renewable energy solutions to power telecom infrastructure across the country.
According to the State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2025 by the Africa Finance Corporation, telecom operators in Nigeria consume more than 40 million litres of diesel every month, costing them over $350 million annually.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Communications Commission has formally inaugurated the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee, marking a pivotal step towards advancing Nigeria’s digital and energy inclusion objectives by developing modalities for the deployment of renewable energy to support telecom infrastructure in Nigeria.”
The inauguration ceremony, held on Friday, at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja, was presided over by Dr Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer, NCC.
Maida was joined by Abba Aliyu, managing director of the REA, along with senior executives and committee members from both organisations.
Speaking at the event, Maida described the collaboration as a timely and strategic alignment of national priorities.
He noted that bridging the connectivity and power gaps in rural areas remains critical for Nigeria’s growth and development.
He highlighted that the demand for digital services and connected communities creates an opportunity for renewable energy to play a crucial role.
Maida further emphasised that the partnership goes beyond infrastructure; it is aimed at driving inclusion, reducing inequalities, and fostering shared prosperity.
“Whether it is powering a base station or enabling a child to access digital learning, this partnership has the potential to transform realities and bring opportunity closer to the people.
“This initiative is about more than infrastructure, it is about driving inclusion, bridging inequalities and creating the conditions for shared prosperity,” he was quoted in the statement.
He also noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to ensure no community is left behind in Nigeria’s energy and digital transformation.
Aliyu, representing REA, expressed confidence in the transformative potential of the collaboration.
“This partnership will unlock sustainable development opportunities for millions of Nigerians, especially those in areas lacking traditional infrastructure,” he said.
He further emphasised that the collaboration would address both energy and connectivity gaps, benefiting those who are currently underserved.
The newly established NCC-REA Collaboration Committee will work to co-develop and implement integrated solutions that leverage renewable energy to power telecom sites.
The statement noted that the committee will also focus on sharing geospatial data to improve planning, aligning funding frameworks, and tracking the socio-economic impact of the project through clear performance indicators.
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has announced the execution of a national roaming agreement with Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (9Mobile), a move that signals a major milestone in Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry’s regulatory authority, has approved the three-year deal, which allows 9Mobile subscribers to roam seamlessly on MTN Nigeria’s extensive network infrastructure across the country.
The agreement, effective immediately, will significantly enhance connectivity and user experience for 9Mobile customers, particularly in areas where its network coverage is limited.
By leveraging MTN’s expansive infrastructure, 9Mobile can now offer improved service reach and reliability, without duplicating capital-intensive investments in network deployment.
In a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public, MTN Nigeria described the arrangement as a strategic collaboration that underscores its leadership in fostering innovation, industry cooperation, and operational efficiency.
The company emphasized that the initiative aligns with the NCC’s broader objective of promoting infrastructure sharing to improve telecommunications services nationwide.
“This agreement represents a significant step in our commitment to driving industry collaboration, improving customer experience, and supporting the NCC’s vision of a fully connected Nigeria,” said Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria.
“Delivering the scale required for telecommunications services in Nigeria requires strong collaboration between the private sector, public sector, and long-term investors. This agreement demonstrates what we can achieve when we collaborate, and we are delighted to announce it today after months of groundwork.”The national roaming deal enables subscribers from 9Mobile to access voice and data services through MTN’s network in areas where the former lacks adequate coverage.
This marks the first such large-scale, cross-network roaming arrangement between two major operators in Nigeria, setting a precedent for future cooperative efforts in the telecom industry.
MTN Nigeria highlighted that the agreement contributes to more effective use of telecommunications resources, reduces infrastructure duplication, and accelerates the expansion of mobile broadband access across underserved regions.
It also supports both operators’ sustainability objectives by maximizing existing investments and reducing the environmental impact of deploying overlapping network facilities.
“This strategic collaboration is yet another first in the country by MTN Nigeria and marks a significant milestone for the sustainability of the telecommunications industry,” the company stated.
“By enabling national roaming, MTN Nigeria is contributing to a more effective use of telecommunications resources and accelerating efforts to expand connectivity across the country.”
The agreement is expected to benefit not just subscribers and operators but also regulators and investors who have consistently advocated for policies that promote shared infrastructure and efficient capital utilization in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Uto Ukpanah, company secretary, MTN Nigeria, affirmed the company’s ongoing dedication to initiatives that create shared value.
“MTN remains committed to fostering innovation and partnerships that create sustainable value for all stakeholders while promoting digital and financial inclusion nationwide,” she noted.
With the successful rollout of this agreement, the telecoms industry is expected to see improved service delivery and expanded access to quality mobile services, especially in rural and semi-urban communities. The collaboration sets a benchmark for future inter-operator partnerships and reinforces the importance of regulatory support in advancing national connectivity goals.
Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has announced a temporary disruption in SIM-related services across all mobile networks in the country.
The disruption, according to a statement on Wednesday, follows a directive from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), mandating mobile network operators (MNOs) to migrate to a new identity verification platform.
ALTON said the transition had triggered unforeseen technical challenges, affecting services such as SIM registration, replacement, and mobile number portability.
“While the new platform is intended to enhance the integrity and efficiency of identity management in Nigeria, unfortunately, the transition has temporarily impacted service delivery,” the association stated.
It added that MNOs would not be able to support SIM swaps, new activations, and related services until the issues are resolved.
ALTON noted that its members are working closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NIMC, and other stakeholders to restore normalcy.
The association appealed for public understanding and urged subscribers to delay visits to service centers for SIM-related matters.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and will continue to provide timely updates,” the statement read.
ALTON reaffirmed its commitment to delivering secure and quality telecommunications services to Nigerians.
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