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Aniekan Usoroh: If Telecoms Shut Down for a Day, Nigeria Would Go Into Chaos, Communication Is Too Important To Downplay

Aniekan Usoroh has said a telecom shutdown in Nigeria would cause chaos; telecom tariff hike is necessary due to rising operational costs.

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Telecommunications and business development expert, Aniekan Usoroh, has called for a deeper understanding of the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs, emphasising the need for balanced solutions in the sector. 

Speaking in an interview with Arise News on Friday, Usoroh noted that telecom operators have faced rising operational costs due to economic pressures such as exchange rate fluctuations and fuel subsidy removal.

He warned that a nationwide telecom shutdown in Nigeria would cause chaos, making it crucial to understand the reasons behind the recent 50% tariff hike.

“Communication is not something we should downplay; it is absolutely important,” he said. “Everyone needs to understand why these proposals are being made so we can find a balance.”

He explained that while operators initially requested a 100% tariff increase, regulators approved only 50%, marking the first adjustment in a decade. “Given the macroeconomic challenges, a tariff review was inevitable,” he added. 

Usoroh also addressed concerns over poor service quality, customer complaints, and the ongoing dispute between telecoms and banks over USSD debts, stressing the need for stronger regulation and consumer education.

“What is required at this point is understanding of what the real issues are. The initial request for a tariff hike was 100%, but only 50% was approved,” he said. 

He noted that telecom rates had remained unchanged for the past decade despite rising operational costs driven by factors such as fluctuating exchange rates and the removal of fuel subsidies. 

“If the issues being complained about—such as the volatility of the exchange rate and the fuel subsidy removal—have both micro and macroeconomic effects on the cost of operations for telecoms, then it simply adds up that there would be a need for tariff hikes and reviews,” Usoroh stated. 

To cushion the impact on consumers, Usoroh advocated for creative pricing strategies that allow for flexibility in payments. 

“What we need to pay attention to is getting creative. Across sectors, there has to be innovation in pricing models that allow for flexibility—instalment payments, lower-tier data bundles, and smaller recharge options,” he suggested. 

He clarified that flexibility should not necessarily come from lowering tariffs but from ensuring that consumers have more accessible payment options. 

Addressing complaints about poor service quality, dropped calls, and discrepancies in data usage, Usoroh acknowledged that stronger regulations are needed. 

“If we have to talk about the quality of service, a lot more has to be done in that regard. There should be stronger regulations on services,” he stated. 

He explained that data reductions occur at various points in the sales and distribution chain, sometimes due to intermediary platforms. 

“The telecoms are prioritising service quality, but regarding the reduction in gigabytes, it comes down to regulation. There are many steps in the sales and distribution chain, and at certain points, data is stepped down. These issues must be looked into so that people understand what type of data they are paying for,” Usoroh said. 

He reiterated the need for better consumer education, noting that some users unknowingly purchase data plans that deplete quickly. 

“Going forward, there should be better education. People need to be aware that there are different classes of data. Sometimes, it’s not that you are being cheated; you just don’t fully understand the type of data you are buying,” he explained. 

On whether Nigerians would receive better services in a country where consumer protection is often weak, Usoroh maintained that telecom providers are capable of delivering improved services but face operational constraints. 

“The telecoms are positioned to deliver better services, but the constraints are very clear,” he said. 

Commenting on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)’s planned strike over the tariff hike, Usoroh urged the union to return to the negotiation table rather than escalate tensions. 

“I’m saying to the NLC that it’s best to come back to the table and gain a deeper understanding. This is something that needs to happen, and we will see its outcome sooner rather than later,” he advised. 

He cautioned against further disruptions, emphasising that communication remains essential even for organising protests. 

“There is no need for a national strike. You will still rely on communication to mobilise, and we have too many challenges already. This shouldn’t become one of them,”Usoroh said. 

 Boluwatife Enome

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