Claim
Some news organisations claimed that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved tariff increases for MTN, Airtel, Glo, and other telecom companies. The new increase affects the telecom industry’s voice, SMS, data, and other services. The latest increase will see Nigerians pay more for telecom services.
Background
According to the reports, the commission the new tariff had taken effect on July 29, 2024, and it is said to remain valid and binding on licensees until revealed by the NCC.
Legit, the New Telegraph and other media houses that reported the story quoted Guidance on the Simplification of Tariffs in the Nigerian Communications Sector signed by Aminu Maida, Executive Chairman and published by the NCC.
“Guidance applies to all licensees of the Commission and its primary objective is to:
- reduce the complexity of tariff plans and bundles
- ensure that promotional elements of tariff plans are transparent and fair
- protect consumers’ interests by providing clear and understandable tariff information
- promote fair competition among licensees by standardizing tariff structures.
“This Guidance is designed to enhance transparency, improve consumer understanding and foster fair competition amongst licensees of the Commission,” NCC stated.
Verification
DailyAgent Check conducted searches on the official handles and website of the NCC and found that the Commission had posted on its official X handle to debunk the claim.
We also visited the website of NCC and cited the Guidance on the Simplification of Tariffs in the Nigerian Communications Sector.
After checking thoroughly, there is nowhere in the document that revealed any increase in the telecom tariffs—this means that the document did not indicate any increment in the tariffs being charged by licensed telecom companies.
The document is a directive to all operators to simplify their current tariff plans transparently and fairly for consumers.
Verdict
The claim is FALSE!
Conclusion
Following our checks, the claim is false.
