The concerned Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have been ordered by the Federal Government to reverse the unilaterally increased pricing adjustments.
Following media reports of the recently agreed 10% upward rate increases being implemented unilaterally, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued the directive in a letter dated October 12.
The service providers' networks received the changes for select voice and data services.
Dr Reuben Muoka, the NCC's Director of Public Affairs, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to Muoka, the 10% permission was being considered in accordance with the commission's responsibilities as outlined in the 2003 Nigerian Communications Act.
He also said that it was in line with other extant Regulations and Guidelines, as this was within the provisions of the existing price floor and price cap as determined for the industry.
He said that the decision was taken after a critical and realistic review, and analysis of the operational environment and the current business climate in Nigeria, as it affects all sectors of the economy.
“The tariff adjustment was proposed and provisionally approved by the management, pending the final approval of the Board of the Commission.
“However, in the end, it did not have the approval of the Board of the Commission. As a result, it is reversed,” he said.
He said that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, had maintained that his priority was to protect the citizens and ensure justice for all stakeholders involved.
He quoted the minister as saying: “As such, anything that will bring more hardship at this critical time will not be accepted.
“This was also why he obtained the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari for the suspension of the proposed 5 per cent excise duty, in order to maintain a conducive enabling environment for the telecom operators.
“Much as there is an increase in the cost of production, the provision of telecom services is still very profitable and it is necessary that the subscribers are not subjected to a hike in charges.”
In view of the above, he said the Commission would carry out further consultations with all industry stakeholders on the best approaches to protect and uphold the interest of both the consumers and the service providers.
“The commission will continue to entrench transparent processes and procedures for rate determination in the industry.
“The process is usually carried out with wide industry consultation.
“It is through these processes that price floors and price caps for data and voice services are benchmarked, regularly reviewed, and determined from time to time.
“The commission will continue to abide by this time-tested process and international best practice to ensure efficient pricing mechanism for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria,” he said.