FCCPC Pushes For Consumers’ Interest, Demands Improved Telco Services Commensurate With Increased Tariffs

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has said that the 50 per cent tariff increment approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for telecommunication operators must come with improved services for Nigerian consumers.
The commission said this in a press statement released last Wednesday, acknowledging the new development in the telecom sector.
According to the consumer protection watchdog, consumers have consistently expressed the desire for measurable improvements in the quality of service before any tariff increases are implemented.
It said issues such as network congestion, dropped calls, inconsistent internet speeds, unusual data depletion, and poor customer service have also remained prevalent concerns.
“It is, therefore, crucial that tariff adjustments directly translate into demonstrable and tangible service enhancements for consumers,” it said.
While acknowledging the economic pressures faced by the industry, the FCCPC emphasized that consumer protection remains its top priority.
The FCCPC commended the NCC’s deliberate and measured approach in addressing the tariff adjustment, noting that the 50% increase, significantly lower than the over 100% initially proposed by operators, reflects a thoughtful effort to sustain the industry while protecting consumers.
“We commend the NCC for linking the tariff adjustment to commensurate improvements in service quality and implementing measures to mitigate the impact on consumers,” the FCCPC said.
The commission also noted the NCC’s commitment to ensuring that tariff structures are clear, straightforward, and devoid of hidden charges.
Operators are now required to provide upfront disclosures on costs, validity periods, and plan inclusions, empowering consumers to make informed decisions without fear of unexpected charges.
As part of the adjustments, the FCCPC emphasized that telecom operators must focus on visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service.
The statement reads in part, “It is non-negotiable that the increased revenue from the tariff adjustment should translate directly into better consumer services. Operators are expected to allocate funds responsibly, prioritizing infrastructure development and service delivery enhancements.
“To ensure transparency, mechanisms will be established to monitor how these funds are utilized, ensuring that consumers reap the benefits of the adjustments.”
The Commission said the operators must also clearly communicate the rationale for any tariff adjustments to consumers.
This, it said, includes ensuring that consumers are fully informed about the nature of the changes, their benefits, and how they align with efforts to improve service delivery and infrastructure.