Subsidy Removal: No Plans To Increase Telecom Tariff – NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stated that there are no intentions to raise telecom tariffs as a result of the elimination of subsidies.

Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, NCC's executive vice chairman (EVC), offered the promise over the weekend while accepting the Titans of Technology (ToT) award in Lagos.

Danbatta said: “NCC has said that it is not ready to increase telecom tariff for now due to subsidy removal. Such a decision is left for the entire industry to determine. We do a lot of industry consultation. That is left for the entire industry to determine. We run a participative system of engagement in NCC. We can’t even talk about the increase now. There has to be a lot of engagements with stakeholders.”

The EVC was represented at the event by the Lagos Zonal Controller of the NCC, Mr Yomi Arowosafe, who received the Pan African Telecoms Operator of the Year Award on his behalf, while the commission's director of Public Affairs, Mr Reuben Muoka, won the Digital Public Relations Communicator of the Year Award.

Arowosafe, while receiving the award on behalf of Danbatta said: “I am elated that this has happened and this has shown that the industry is really doing well under the leadership of EVC. We thank the Titans of Tech award for counting the EVC and NCC worthy of these awards.”

Meanwhile, in his introductory remarks, former governor of Lagos, Mr Femi Pedro, advocated for the promotion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the country from school to postsecondary institutions.

“We must begin to encourage our entrepreneurs and young people to be innovative and creative and I believe that the fastest way to create wealth today is through the use of technology. Many young people who have left school and are complaining that there are no jobs, can leverage technology to create wealth.

“There is no need for anybody to be unemployed in today’s world. It is lack of knowledge that is killing most of us, particularly our young people. Technology is there as a tool, as an enabler for youths to make a living. All you need to do is think creatively,” Pedro advised.