Describing the tariff hike as a welcome development, the group noted that it would open the telecom sector for robust growth and investment.
Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Mohammed Danlami, in a statement on Thursday, stated that the increase in telecommunication tariffs is long overdue and necessary.
“The telecommunication sector, which employs millions of Nigerians directly and powers other sectors of the country, is the only sector that has maintained the status quo in terms of service pricing despite the skyrocketing costs of its basic operational requirements, such as diesel, power, and manpower,” he said.
Danlami added that the industry was nearing the point of collapse due to global inflation, rising operational costs, high foreign exchange rates, and increased network maintenance expenses, which rendered telecom companies ineffective in delivering services to Nigerians.
“No serious regulator that understands the need for market-reflective prices would have folded its arms to allow such a collapse,” Danlami stated.
He explained that the tariff adjustment was a necessary decision to preserve the industry and its impact on the wider economy, highlighting that “everything in Nigeria today depends on telecoms, whether it is healthcare, education, corporate businesses, or even the government.”
Danlami stressed the importance of the tariff increase to strengthen the industry and improve service delivery.
He said, “Furthermore, this tariff adjustment will help operators purchase new equipment to enhance the country’s telecommunication infrastructure. It would also re-energise the sector in a way that would lead to a surge in investments.
“This will ultimately translate to improved network quality, expanded access, and a better experience for consumers. We at the Arewa Youth Assembly are hopeful that the sector will grow beyond expectations, creating more opportunities for our people to get jobs in telecoms.”
Danlami criticised those opposing the tariff increase, pointing out that they are often the same individuals who complain about poor service delivery.
He argued that without cost-reflective pricing, telecom companies cannot improve their infrastructure to meet growing demand.
The group urged the sector’s regulator to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the telecommunications industry.
It also called on telecom operators to use the proceeds from the adjusted tariff prices to immediately invest in improving services, stating that Nigerians’ support for the tariff adjustment was conditional on better service quality.
The youth group called for calm and understanding from Nigerians, expressing optimism for improved growth in the telecom sector, greater customer protection, enhanced telecom efficiency, and the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunication industry.
SOURCE: TheGuardian