NCC Approves Tariff Increase for Telecom Companies; To Take Effect from January 2025

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a long-awaited increase in telecommunications tariffs, bringing to an end over a decade of lobbying by major operators such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel, and 9Mobile. The new rates for calls, SMS, and internet bundles will take effect in January 2025, with tariffs expected to rise by up to 40%.

Under the revised structure, call charges will increase from ₦11 to ₦15.40 per minute. The cost of SMS will rise from ₦4 to ₦5.60, and a 1GB data bundle will now cost at least ₦1,400, up from ₦1,000. The NCC has promised to provide more details in an upcoming official announcement, emphasizing that these adjustments balance industry proposals with public interests.

“This will benefit both subscribers and operators, as we have considered feedback from all stakeholders,” stated an NCC spokesperson.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, recognized the need for this adjustment, citing economic pressures during a recent interview on Arise TV. Meanwhile, the NCC is mindful of not overburdening subscribers, having previously rejected a proposed price hike from Starlink in October 2024.

This tariff increase comes at a time when food inflation stands at 39.93%, raising concerns about potential reductions in internet usage in a country focused on digital inclusion. However, the financial strain on telecom operators has been significant, with MTN Nigeria reporting a loss of ₦514.9 billion in the first nine months of 2024, following a ₦137 billion loss in 2023. Additionally, Airtel Africa faced $89 million in losses for FY 2024, mainly due to challenges in Nigeria.

Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), supports this tariff increase. He argues that cost-reflective tariffs will encourage investment and enhance service quality over the long term.

Press Release: Niger Republic’s Military Leader’s Allegations Against Nigeria Are Baseless - FG

Press Release

Niger Republic’s Military Leader’s Allegations Against Nigeria Are Baseless - FG 

The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly rejects allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country.

These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France - or any other country - to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.

Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighboring country. 

Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic. Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic. We reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and the people of Nigeria and Niger and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region.

Indeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil. This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership. 

 

The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture is both unfounded and counterproductive. Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted. 

The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless. Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond. 

 

Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, Code Named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out. How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harboring the same group within its borders? These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.

   

The public is urged to disregard these false allegations. Those making such claims, particularly the Military Leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them. Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.

 

In conclusion, President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings. Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges. We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.

 

Mohammed Idris

Minister of Information and National Orientation,

Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

Thursday, December 26, 2024

A fire has destroyed a section of the plank market in Lagos.

Fire on Thursday razed a plank market at Pipeline Street in the Ikotun area of Lagos.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said the inferno affected four shops.

Oke-Osanyintolu said that the prompt response of the Agency’s Dolphin Response Team from Igando, and efficient coordination of other responders at the scene, curtailed the spread of fire to adjoining buildings.

According to him, preliminary investigations could not ascertain the cause of the fire at the time of reporting the incident.

The LASEMA permanent secretary also disclosed that there was no loss of lives and no injuries were sustained as a result of the incident.

This followed a report of another fire outbreak at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, FIIRO, office in Oshodi earlier in the day.

LASEMA confirmed that the fire ignited as a result of overheating of the generator.

The fire was also curtailed and there was no loss of life due to the incident and no injuries were sustained.

Reasons Why Many Women Are Unmarried in Their 30s – Kanayo O. Kanayo

Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has explained why many women are unmarried in their 30s.
According to him, the choices they made when they were younger were responsible for their singleness.
He said most women who are unmarried in their 30s spent their 20s dating married older men while rejecting young prospective husbands.

Speaking in a recent interview with News Central, Kanayo said, “Some girl will be in the university at 18, 19, 20, she starts dating a very rich guy, sometimes, very old too. Then what you see along the line is that because the guy is very rich and probably married, she refuses the advances of other younger people because the guy has either gotten her a car or a house. So to her, she’s operating on a very high level.

“From 22, she goes on to 24 and maybe even if she quarrels with this guy, she gets the next guy. And before you know it, she turns 25, 26 unmarried because she refuses the advances of younger prospective husbands. She gets into 29 and 30, and by that time she has left the university and men are no longer finding her that attractive.

“So she gets into 31, husband is not coming. And what do you have? At 23, she’s a flex. At 28, she becomes a prayer point. After 33, she’s declared a state of emergency. Because husbands will not come at that level of 33 years. Some of them get to 35 unmarried.

 And they still think that they are having fun. They are not having fun. They are now in a state of emergency praying that God brings anyone.”

Nigerians will experience additional reductions in fuel prices in 2025, according to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).

 

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has announced that Nigerians can expect further reductions in the prices of petroleum products, particularly fuel, even into next year. Chinedu Ukadike, the National Public Relations Officer of IPMAN, shared this assurance during an interview with the New Telegraph.

Ukadike described the recent decrease in fuel prices as a result of competition between the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). He stated, "The price war that has led to the reduction in the prices of petroleum products, especially fuel, is a testament to the benefits of deregulation. We now have two major sources of petroleum products: Dangote and NNPC Ltd. This has created a competing environment for marketers."

He further explained that as Dangote increases production, the company will seek to establish partnerships, particularly with IPMAN and other stakeholders, to ensure the efficient distribution of its products. Ukadike referred to the deal with MRS as a significant move to ensure that petroleum products reach consumers at a reduced price, calling it a “Christmas bonanza from Dangote.” He added, "The product price will continue to decrease. There will be further price reductions as competition against a sole producer intensifies.”

Reports indicate that as of Monday, December 23, petrol was sold at N925 per litre at many NNPC Ltd outlets in Lagos, while in Abuja it was priced at N965 per litre. On November 24, 2024, Dangote lowered fuel prices from N990 per litre to N970 for marketers.

Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) attributed the price reduction to the company's appreciation for Nigerians and support for the government. Last Thursday, Chiejina announced another petrol price reduction to N899.50k, which he described as a "holiday bonanza." He also mentioned that the company introduced a special offer to further benefit consumers.

In addition to the holiday discount, Dangote Petroleum Refinery is allowing customers to purchase an extra litre of fuel on credit for every litre bought in cash. "To alleviate transport costs during this holiday season, Dangote Refinery is offering a holiday discount on PMS. From today, our..."

Six Teams Restart Hostilities at Kebbi Beach Soccer League

The Filin Sukuwa at Sani Abacha Bye Pass, Birnin Kebbi will come alive with thrilling beach soccer action from 25-27 December 2024.
Six teams are expected to battle each other in the 2nd round of the 2024/25 Kebbi Beach Soccer League KBSL.
After the first round,  Magatakarda Beach Soccer Club (BSC) led the standings with nine points, and Kebbi United BSC and Bam Projects came close with six points apiece.
BBE BSC and Dallatu United BSC both have three points, while Mayanan Baguio BSC., in last place, has yet to register any points.
A look at first-round statistics whets appetite ahead of the second-round challenge.
61 goals from 20 different players were scored in the round, while the match between Magatakarda BSC and Dallatu United BSC, which ended 12-3 in favour of the former, recorded the highest number of goals.
Magatakarda BSC's Hassan Muhammad scored the most number of goals, 6, in a single match.
Goals are expected to flow in this month's second-round action, which precedes third-round proceedings in January when four teams will emerge for the Super Four in 2025.
...by Kelechi Bernard @woramangra

Super Eagles Experiences Fortification Ahead of Ghana's CHAN 2024 Challenge.

The technical crew of Nigeria's Super Eagles B has recalled five players ahead of their African Nations Championship CHAN 2024 second leg qualifier with Ghana's Black Galaxies this Saturday in Uyo.

The Nigerian team drew goalless with their Ghanian foes last Sunday in Accra and will need to score goals at the Godswill Akpabio stadium to stand any chance of prevailing against Ghana.

Rejoining the Eagles to boost goalscoring potential are strikers Samuel Ayanrinde (Shooting Stars) and Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors).

The all-action strikers with imposing physical presence are expected to trouble the Ghanaian central defenders.

Completing the recalled five are Enugu Rangers midfielder Kazeem Ogunleye, Vincent Temitope from Plateau United and Badmus Gbadamosi of Kwara United.

The Eagles will train later today in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State where they will confront Black Galaxies of Ghana this Saturday 28 December 2024 in the second leg of the CHAN qualifier.

Overall winners on aggregate will advance to the delayed CHAN 2024 to be staged in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 1-28 February 2025.

...by Kelechi Bernard @woramangra