The Managing Director of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Karl Toriola, has revealed that telecom companies have sought approval for a 100 per cent increase in tariff.
MTN CEO said the rate hike covers all telecommunications services, including voice and data.
Toriola’s comment follows calls for a tariff hike on cost grounds.
Telecom operators have complained that rising operating costs are threatening their survival.
However, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has delayed the approval due to difficulties consumers face.
The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said in a recent interview that the communications sector is not just about tariff revision.
But Toriola said, “The expenses we are spending are actually exceeding our income. Even though we have seen revenue growth, there is no way the sector can continue to sustain and provide the quality of service required in this structure.
“We have submitted a request for a price increase of about 100% to the regulators. I doubt they will approve this measure of increases because they are susceptible to the current economic situation in the country.