The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has dismissed rumors of a telecommunications tariff increase allegedly set to take effect in January 2025.

The Commission labeled these reports as unfounded and urged subscribers to disregard the misinformation.

A senior NCC official emphasized that the regulatory body operates under a transparent framework guided by the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA). This framework requires stakeholder consultations and adherence to due process before any tariff adjustments are approved.

?These rumors are baseless and misleading,? the official stated. ?The NCC is committed to protecting consumers and ensuring any potential tariff changes are communicated clearly and transparently. Subscribers can rest assured that no tariff increase has been approved.?

The NCC also appealed to journalists and industry stakeholders to verify information before publication, stressing the importance of accurate reporting to avoid unnecessary public panic.

Reiterating its commitment to consumer interests and the stability of the telecommunications industry, the Commission assured Nigerians that updates on tariffs or related matters would be disseminated through official channels.

The Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) also weighed in, dispelling the rumors. Speaking in Lagos, ATCIS National President, Mr. Sina Bilesanmi, said the association sought clarification directly from the NCC on December 24, 2024.

?The NCC confirmed there is no truth to claims of call charges increasing to N15.40 per minute from N11, SMS charges rising to N5.60, or 1GB of data costing N1,400 instead of N1,000,? Bilesanmi said.

?Any changes in tariffs, if necessary, will follow due process and involve input from all stakeholders, including ATCIS. There is no cause for alarm.?

Both the NCC and ATCIS reiterated their commitment to consumer protection and urged subscribers to rely on verified information from credible sources. (Sunday Vanguard)

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