FG: Why we approved telecom tariff hike

The Federal Government says it approved a 50 per cent tariff hike for telecommunication companies to sustain the industry.

The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said this at the maiden Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) summit in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Tijani added that the new tariff would allow telecommunication companies to be able to invest in new infrastructure and improve connectivity.

The minister urged Nigerian youths to drive technological progress as the present administration provides the infrastructure.

He said: “The biggest challenge for the government is individuals as we invest in infrastructure to drive the progress of technology.

“We need individuals, we need innovators, we need entrepreneurs to actually build the technologies.”

Tijani commended the founder of RAIN, Dr Olusola Ayoola, saying: “Without folks like him and the work they are doing in ICT terrain, it will be difficult for Nigeria to develop technologically.

Students lament: Telecom tariff hike’ll hinder learning, research

“I think we are grateful that Nigeria has the privilege of a man like Ayoola who is putting Ibadan on the map.

“Government cannot build the progress that we want to build. What government will build is the foundation for that progress to happen.”

The minister stated that the future of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria had already been made known.

According to him, the productivity and prosperity that nations want to build will come from smart application of AI.

He added: “And with what RAIN is building, we will start to see more direct application coming from the innovation that the young people are building.

“That is what any nation wants to see. Our role is to continue to support.”

Tijani noted that the government’s role was to continue to invest in infrastructure that would enable technological progress and make it happen.

The Star