January 03, (THEWILL) – Nigerian telecommunications companies have proposed a 100 percent tariff increase, seeking approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, who disclosed this when he featured on Arise TV, said the increase is aimed at addressing rising operational costs, including inflation and increased service delivery expenses.

Toriola, who expressed uncertainty about the proposal being approved by the telecom regulator, NCC, said the hike became imperative to sustain the industry bedevilled by significant financial pressures due to rising operational costs.

“We’ve put forward requests of approximately 100 percent tariff increases to regulators. I doubt they’re going to approve that quantum of increases because they are very, very sensitive to the current economic situation in the country.

“I believe we’re all on the same side, the policymakers, the regulators, our Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, and the industry. We’re united because we share concerns about a few fundamental issues. First, human rights are critical to driving any economy.

“Without a sustainable industry, the broader economy and the well-being of the people will be negatively impacted”, he added.