Arewa Youths Back Telecom Tariff Hike, Cite Growth Opportunities
…Call for Calm, Urge Operators to Improve Services
Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
The Arewa Youth Assembly has expressed its support for the recent approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for telecommunication companies to increase their tariffs by 50%. The group described the move as a necessary step to sustain the sector and unlock new investment opportunities.
In a statement signed by its Speaker, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, the Assembly argued that the telecom industry had been operating under severe economic pressure, making an upward tariff adjustment long overdue.
“The telecommunications sector, which directly employs millions of Nigerians and powers other industries, has been struggling due to rising operational costs, including diesel, power, foreign exchange rates, and maintenance expenses. Despite these challenges, the industry has maintained its pricing structure, making it difficult to sustain quality service delivery,” Danlami stated.
He warned that without a price adjustment, the sector was at risk of collapse, which would have severe consequences for the wider economy, given the critical role of telecommunications in areas such as healthcare, education, business, and governance.
The Arewa Youth Assembly maintained that the tariff hike would strengthen the sector, improve service quality, and attract fresh investments. “With the additional revenue, telecom operators will be able to upgrade their infrastructure, expand network coverage, and enhance service delivery,” Danlami noted.
The group also dismissed criticisms of the increase, arguing that those opposing the tariff hike are the same individuals who complain about poor service quality. “Operators cannot improve infrastructure without cost-reflective pricing. Addressing quality-of-service issues requires fresh investments, which the tariff adjustment makes possible,” the statement added.
However, the Assembly called on telecom providers to ensure that the additional revenue is channeled into service improvements, transparency, and customer satisfaction. It also urged Nigerians to remain calm and trust that the reforms will lead to long-term benefits, including job creation, better consumer protection, and overall industry sustainability.
The Arewa Youth Assembly reiterated its commitment to supporting policies that drive national economic growth while ensuring fairness and accountability within the telecommunications sector.
