Subsidy Removal: No Plans To Increase Telecom Tariff – NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated that there is no plans to increase telecom tariff due to subsidy removal.

The executive vice chairman, (EVC), NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, gave the assurance at the weekend while receiving Titans of Tech(ToT) award in Lagos.

Danbatta said: “NCC has said that it is not ready to increase telecom tariff for now due to subsidy removal. Such decision is left for the entire industry to determine. We do a lot of industry consultation. That is left for the entire industry to determine. We run a participative system of engagement in NCC. We can’t even talk about increase now. There has to be a lot of engagements with stakeholders.”

The EVC, who was represented at the event by the Lagos Zonal controller of NCC, Mr Yomi Arowosafe, received the Pan African Telecoms Operator of the year on his behalf, while the director of Public Affairs, of the commission, Mr Reuben Muoka clinched Digital Public Relations Communicator of the year Award.

Arowosafe, while receiving the award on behalf of Danbatta said: “I am elated that this has happened and this has shown that the industry is really doing well under the leadership of EVC. We thank Titans of Tech award for counting the EVC and NCC worthy of these awards.”

Meanwhile, earlier in his welcome address, former governor of Lagos, Mr Femi Pedro, while giving his opening remarks, called for promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the country right from primary to tertiary institutions.

“We must begin to encourage our entrepreneurs and young people to be innovative and creative and I believe that the fastest way to create wealth today is through the use of technology. Many young people who have left school and are complaining that there are no jobs, can leverage on technology to create wealth. 

“There is no need for any body to be unemployed in today’s world. It is lack of knowledge that is killing most of us, particularly our young people. Technology is there as a tool, as an enabler for youths to make a living. All you need to do is think creatively,” Pedro advised.