The President of the Association of Telecommunications, Information Technology, Cable Satellite Network Operators and Allied Services Employers’ of Nigeria (ATICEN), Comrade Adede John Williams, has commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Comrade Joe Ajero for suspending the proposed planned strike regarding the telecoms tariff hike by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the Nigeria telecommunications operators due to the operational veracities in the country. He also called on the Members and the general assembly of the Nigeria Labuor Congress (NLC), Nigerians, telecommunications subscribers, stakeholders, and interested parties alike to see the need to accept the reality of things as they unfolded, for we believe that the adjustments in the telecoms tariff will unswervingly enhance the quality of service and boost the connectivity for the subscribers.
He further explained, as we all know, due to the rising inflation, energy costs, operational costs, and currency devaluation faced in the country right now are the key reasons for the recent tariff hike, as well as the costs of importing telecommunications equipment and the maintenance support system, and the unreliable electricity supply have pointedly wind-swept the viability of the profits accrued to telecoms operators.
He once again urges the telecommunications subscribers and Nigerians to always have the interests of the services of telecommunications operators at heart for the industry’s sustainability, as the industry regulator is always championing the consumer’s protection rights. So, it is important to know that the recent increase in telecoms tariff was approved according to its regulatory power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges for telecommunications operators operating in Nigeria.
Comrade Adede Williams has equally acknowledged the bravery of Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Dr. Aminu Maina, the EVC/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for taking a proactive step in managing the NLC planned strike as its concerns the Telecommunications tariff hike in Nigeria.
He said that the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) operating in Nigeria are always at the forefront with a strong commitment to providing a sustainable quality service and driving the digital economy ecosystem being promoted by telecommunications operators in Nigeria.
He added that telecommunications and information and communications technologies (ICTs) services are essential enablers that will continue to drive the digital transformation ecosystem of any nation. I urge Nigerians to continue to patronize the telecommunications services as always. He stated.
