Nigerian telecommunications companies have submitted a proposed 100 per cent increase in their tariffs to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

During an interview with Arise TV on Thursday, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, stated that the increase is to address rising operational costs, including inflation and increased service delivery expenses.

Toriola, however, expressed uncertainty about the proposal being approved by telecom regulator NCC.

He 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 per cent 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,” Toriola stated.

“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.