The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued revised guidelines aimed at simplifying tariffs within the country’s communications sector. The amendments, released in November 2024, are designed to enhance transparency, improve consumer understanding, and foster fair competition among telecommunications operators.
These guidelines are in line with the NCC’s regulatory mandate under Sections 3, 108, and 109 of the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003, as well as other subsidiary legislations. The amendments emphasize the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumer interests while ensuring that operators adhere to fair practices.
The revised framework applies to all NCC licensees and sets forth several objectives. Chief among them is reducing the complexity of tariff plans and bundles, ensuring transparency and fairness in promotional activities, protecting consumers by providing clear and understandable tariff information, and promoting fair competition through standardized tariff structures. These provisions apply to retail products offered by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to individual subscribers, whether prepaid or postpaid.
Under the amended guidelines, all promotional elements must now be unbundled from tariff plans and offered as standalone promotions subject to NCC approval. Operators are required to migrate subscribers from bonus-led tariff plans to simplified plans by December 31, 2024. Additionally, new subscribers can only remain on bonus-led plans for a maximum of six months before transitioning to standard plans.
Add-ons, defined as optional services enhancing existing tariff plans, must also comply with the new regulations. These services, including premium content access and roaming packages, are required to be transparent and supported by evidence of informed consent from subscribers.
The guidelines also limit operators to a maximum of seven tariff plans and 100 bundles, with fixed broadband and device financing bundles excluded from this cap. Subscribers must be able to easily check the number of add-ons they have purchased through accessible mechanisms such as USSD codes or SMS.
To ensure full disclosure and transparency, the NCC mandates that all operators publish detailed tariff information on their websites. This includes clear descriptions of prices, validity periods, and terms and conditions, enabling subscribers to make informed choices. Advertising materials must also comply with these standards, with clear language and user-friendly formats required.
The amendments also introduce additional conditions for tariff approvals. Operators must offer standalone data bundles at fair prices and ensure that bonuses comply with price floors and caps. Moreover, operators are prohibited from tying consumers to products they do not need.
The NCC has established submission procedures for operators to seek approval for tariff plans, bundles, and promotions. These must be submitted through the Commission’s designated online portal, with all necessary documentation provided.
The NCC emphasized that these amendments are part of its ongoing commitment to creating a consumer-centric regulatory environment that balances the interests of subscribers and operators. The Commission will continue to monitor compliance and make necessary interventions to ensure fair practices across the telecommunications sector.
