By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde
9mobile has commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for approving a 50% tariff adjustment.
This is a move that is aimed at addressing the challenges that Nigeria’s telecom sector faces. This decision comes after extensive deliberations and it marks a significant step towards ensuring the long term sustainability of the industry.
The tariff adjustment is expected to enable telecom operators to invest in critical infrastructure upgrades and capacity expansion, which have been delayed due to financial constraints.
Obafemi Banigbe, 9mobile’s CEO, emphasized the importance of this saying, “This tariff adjustment is timely and essential. It allows operators to fulfill obligations and capital commitments necessary for future growth. Without this, the industry risked a decline in service quality due to insufficient funding. With this change, we are better positioned to drive innovation, growth, and enhanced connectivity for Nigerians.”
The adjustment will also provide a boost for 9mobile’s ongoing business transformation, including modernizing network infrastructure, expanding coverage, and improving digital platforms. Banigbe said, “This decision enables us to replace outdated equipment, expand our network to underserved areas, and enhance the overall customer experience.”
The NCC’s approval of a 50% adjustment, rather than the industry’s initial request of up to 100%, represents a balanced approach to safeguarding affordability for consumers while addressing industry sustainability concerns. The new pricing structure will provide a pathway to financial stability while ensuring the delivery of top tier services to millions of Nigerians.
Banigbe stated 9mobile’s commitment to the Nigerian market, saying, “Our focus remains on investing in infrastructure that delivers reliable and innovative services to our esteemed customers. We are dedicated to empowering Nigerians through connectivity, expanding access, and supporting the nation’s vision of becoming a leading digital economy in Africa.”