By David Akinmola
Months after telecom operators in Nigeria implemented a 50 per cent tariff hike, millions of mobile subscribers across the country say they are yet to see any improvement in service quality, despite paying significantly more for calls and data.
From dropped calls and delayed SMS to erratic internet connectivity, users of major networks — MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile — have continued to express frustration over what they describe as “paying more for less.”
In July 2025, operators under the umbrella of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) had secured regulatory approval for a tariff adjustment, citing the rising cost of diesel, foreign exchange volatility, and increased infrastructure expenses. The move was justified as necessary to maintain network stability and improve service quality.
However, three months on, subscribers say the promised improvements have not materialised. “The quality of calls is terrible, and data finishes faster than before,” said Chioma Eze, a Lagos-based entrepreneur. “If tariffs have gone up by 50 per cent, then the network experience should improve — not deteriorate.”
A recent survey by the National Consumer Advocacy Forum (NCAF) shows that 72 per cent of respondents believe network performance has either worsened or remained unchanged since the price adjustment. Many also reported unexpected deductions and slower internet speeds.
Telecom operators, however, blame the challenges on persistent power shortages, vandalism, and the surging cost of network maintenance. A senior official at one of the leading operators, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “We are battling the same macroeconomic pressures affecting other sectors. The tariff review helped cushion costs, but the environment remains tough. Diesel, for example, has nearly doubled in price since last year.”
Industry analysts argue that the root of the problem lies in poor infrastructure investment and inadequate regulatory oversight. “The tariff hike was meant to fund network expansion and quality improvements, but operators are still struggling with forex scarcity and high import costs for equipment,” said Dr. Ayo Amusa, a telecom policy expert. “Unless the sector receives targeted infrastructure incentives and improved power access, service quality will remain inconsistent.”
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which approved the tariff review, has yet to issue a public statement addressing the quality concerns. In previous comments, the regulator had pledged to “closely monitor operators’ performance metrics to ensure that service improvements align with higher consumer costs.”
Meanwhile, consumer groups are urging the NCC to conduct an urgent service audit and compel operators to compensate customers for recurring service disruptions.
“The industry cannot continue to justify higher tariffs without measurable improvements in network reliability,” said Kunle Adegoke, President of the NCAF. “Subscribers deserve value for their money.”
With inflation at a record high and consumers facing rising costs across sectors, the growing dissatisfaction among telecom users may fuel renewed calls for stricter regulation — and greater accountability — in Nigeria’s multibillion-naira telecommunications industry.
