The Association of Telephones, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) has urged telecoms operators to improve and expand service. ATCIS therefore, opposed calls for tariff hikes, saying it will overburden Nigerians, especially at a time like this.
   
Speaking in Lagos at the weekend, ATCIS National President, Sina Bilesanmi, described the timing of the proposed tariff increase as “most insensitive” given the prevailing economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
   
“We are concerned that this strident call for a tariff hike is most unwelcome. It will impoverish telecoms subscribers further, considering the realities on the ground,” Bilesanmi stated.
    
He posited that telecoms operators, especially the mobile network operators (MNOs) should first ensure that the current poor services Nigerians are paying for should be corrected, improved upon and expanded to underserved areas.
    
According to him, he highlighted the significant contribution of the telecommunications sector to Nigeria’s GDP but emphasised that this does not justify burdening consumers with increased costs.
  
“While we understand that the industry faces challenges, we believe this increase places an undue burden on consumers, many of whom are already struggling with the current economic situation,” ATCIS President added. 
   
The association urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to intervene, saying: “We urge the telecoms companies to show restraint in implementing these increases and to explore ways to minimise the impact on vulnerable consumers.”
   
ATCIS also demanded transparency from telecoms companies, stating, “We call for full transparency on the justification for this increase and the expected benefits to consumers.”
   
Welfare Manager, ATCIS, Sam Oladipupo, underscored the need for fair billing practices and open stakeholder consultations before any tariff hike. Oladipupo noted that the telecoms operators know that service is still poor and yet to be universal in the country, “they should do the needful by ensuring that Nigerians enjoy services they pay for.”