Labour officials talk tough, insist telcos must be prevented from exploiting Nigerians

The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers will engage the Nigerian Communications Commission on Friday, seeking a possible reversal of the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike to 10 per cent, as the Nigeria Labour Congress signals readiness for protest.

The Federal Government approved a 50 per cent increase after operators initially requested a 100 per cent hike. However, subscribers are pushing for a 10 per cent adjustment, and if talks fail, they plan to file a lawsuit next week to challenge the decision.

The hike, the first in over a decade, is aimed at revitalising the struggling telecom sector, which contributes about 14 per cent to Nigeria’s economy, and has continued to spark widespread debates and controversies.

The labour union, led by Joseph Ajaero, criticised the increase on Wednesday, describing it as an added burden on Nigerian workers who earn less than $50 per month as minimum wage.

The union warned of potential collective action, including a nationwide boycott of telecom services, to compel the government and the NCC to reverse the decision.

Speaking with The PUNCH on the development on Thursday, NATCOMS President Adeolu Ogunbanjo said, “Going to court is the civil way of doing things, not boycotting telecom services.”

He expressed concern that such actions would harm investor confidence in the Nigerian market, especially as the government works to attract foreign investment.

“We are not backing the NLC at all. It will send wrong signals to investors. These are private businesses, and President Bola Tinubu is trying hard to woo investors. So we can’t support that rascality.”

Tariff rates on phone calls and messages have remained unchanged, even as operators face rising costs fueled by inflation, exchange rate volatility, and substantial investments needed to meet increasing consumer demand.

These challenges have created significant financial strain, jeopardising the sustainability of the telecommunications sector—a vital pillar of Nigeria’s digital economy.

The subscriber association emphasised that the telecom sector is a model of successful privatisation in Nigeria, urging NLC to seek solutions that benefit both consumers and operators.

“Telcos are there to make a profit, and at the same time, consumers must not be exploited. We’ve been at this for quite a while,” he said.

NATCOMS, however, reiterated its call for telecom operators to explore alternative funding options, such as Initial Public Offerings, to raise capital.

“They should go to the stock market. I know people will buy. That is the way to go. But boycotting businesses because telecom expenses take a percentage of salaries is not a solution. You can’t kill the business by protesting,” Ogunbanjo added.

Regarding planned engagements with the NCC, the subscribers’ president noted that discussions would remain constructive. “We will engage them through correspondence and phone calls on Friday. This has been our approach for quite some time,” he concluded.

NLC may lead protests

The NLC Public Relations Officer, Benson Upah, urged Nigerians to take decisive yet peaceful action against the 50 per cent telecoms tariff hike that is causing widespread discomfort.

He emphasised the importance of citizens’ participation in defending their rights through non-violent means.

“The citizens have a right to protest against policies they are not comfortable with. It is up to the citizens to show a certain level of resentment peacefully instead of merely grumbling. You don’t need to be violent or aggressive to drive home your point,” Upah told one of our correspondents.

Upah underscored the need for organised and impactful resistance, urging citizens to explore options such as boycotting services and engaging in peaceful demonstrations.

He added that the NLC stands ready to provide leadership when necessary but noted that citizens, as the direct victims, must take the lead in voicing their dissatisfaction.

“There is an element of spontaneity in all of this. Clearly, everybody is complaining. Put this into an organised form, but peacefully,” Upah stated.

The Chairman of NLC, Lagos State chapter, Sessi Funmi, said even though the union had not taken a definite stand on the next step on the telcos 50 per cent tariff hike, several actions may be considered against the telcos.

“The NLC will have recourse back to the National Executive Council, and the organs will take a decision; we are yet to take a final decision on the situation.

“I think that they will probably call out the workers and liaise with Nigerians to boycott, and the NLC might stage an action. Maybe we will go and occupy the head offices of the service providers. I don’t know yet, but that is what I think the union should do,” Sessi explained to The PUNCH.

She added, “The telcos should be prevented from exploiting and doing any business. Until a final decision is made by the NEC, NLC will know the next action to be taken.”

NANS ultimatum

The National Association of Nigerian Students rejected the tariff hike, calling it “inconsiderate and unjustifiable.”

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Clerk of the Senate at NANS National Headquarters, Oladimeji Uthman, the association warned that the move would worsen the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly students.

NANS gave the NCC and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy a 72-hour ultimatum to reverse the decision or face nationwide protests.

“This decision is not only abnormal but also highly inconsiderate and unjustifiable, especially in the current socio-economic climate,” the student union noted.

The association explained that affordable internet access is crucial for bridging the educational gap in Nigeria and warned that the tariff hike would further exclude millions of students from accessing quality education, deepening the digital divide.

 Rights group rejects planned telecoms tariff hike

While acknowledging the operational challenges faced by the telecommunications industry, including inflation and high costs, NANS insisted that the burden should not be transferred to students and the general public.

The association urged the NCC and the ministry to explore alternative solutions that prioritise affordability and accessibility.

“As stakeholders in the future of this nation, we call for immediate dialogue with the NCC, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, and relevant stakeholders to discuss a fair and balanced approach that prioritises the welfare of Nigerian students and citizens,” NANS said.

NANS vowed that if the NCC failed to address their demands within 72 hours, it would organise a peaceful, nationwide protest involving student leaders, unions, and civil society organisations across Nigeria.

“Our protests will not only demand the reversal of the tariff increment but also advocate for broader consultations with stakeholders before implementing policies that affect the public,” the statement added.

The association emphasised its commitment to peaceful advocacy and dialogue but warned that its patience has limits.

NANS called on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society groups, and youth organisations to join the movement against policies that undermine the progress and well-being of young Nigerians.

“The future of Nigeria depends on the quality of education and opportunities available to its young people. We will not allow policies that threaten this future to prevail,” Uthman stated

Finance minister reacts

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, expressed support for the tariff hike, urging telcos to enhance service delivery in line with the price increase.

Speaking to Arise TV on Thursday at the ongoing 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Edu described the tariff adjustment as essential for sustaining the sector amid rising operational costs and inflation.

“Inflation has increased, and it must be reflected in the business operations of telcos. While their prices are regulated, they cannot implement arbitrary tariffs. The rising cost of living must be considered, and I believe the 50 per cent tariff adjustment is just the starting point. It’s about compromise, timing, and sequencing these necessary changes,” he said.

Edu further emphasised the critical role of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria’s economy, calling it essential to the country’s infrastructure and business environment.

“The government expects the tariff adjustment to result in better call termination, fewer dropped calls, and overall improved service quality,” he added.

“We want telcos operating efficiently, terminating calls seamlessly, and delivering high-quality services. At the same time, we want them to foster innovation, create jobs, and contribute to GDP.”

The finance minister assured Nigerians that the tariff adjustment would be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains balanced and fair for both consumers and operators.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a thriving telecommunications sector that supports innovation, economic growth, and job creation.

This came as the telcos promised that the implementation of the approved tariff hike, which is expected to kick off in February, will allow them to invest in infrastructure to improve service and quality.

President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayor, said that many systems within the telecom sector are outdated and equipment requires optimisation.

“We are actively working on improving the cost-mile experience significantly,” he told The PUNCH earlier.

“Our goal is long-term sustainability—no telecom operator wants to provide poor service quality. Every minute of uptime contributes to revenue, and it’s crucial that we show tangible improvements in user experience and deliver something better to subscribers.”

Nigeria’s biggest telecom operators, MTN and Airtel, said they are targeting better telecom services with the tariff hike.

MTN, the biggest operator, noted that the development is a significant milestone in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector while empowering millions of people and businesses and contributing to the country’s overall economic development.

The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, stated, “This tariff adjustment represents an important step towards addressing the impacts of the prevailing economic challenges on our business and industry.

“It will enable us to maintain the critical investments required to deliver reliable, high-quality services to Nigerians. We remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and driving inclusive growth for all stakeholders.”

Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, defended the tariff hike, describing it as a critical measure to ensure the survival and growth of the telecommunications sector while protecting consumer interests.

Balsingh noted that the development underscores the regulator’s commitment to fostering sustainability and enhancing investment in the telecommunications industry for superior service delivery.

“The tariff adjustment reflects a balanced approach to ensuring the sustainability of the telecom sector while safeguarding the interests of consumers.

“The price increase, which was highly needed for the survival and continued growth of the industry, will enable us to continue investing in network infrastructure, expanding coverage, and delivering improved products and services that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” he said in a statement.

The operator said it remains committed to its mission of bridging the digital divide by offering reliable and affordable telecommunications services.

With Nigeria’s vibrant economy and dynamic population, the company believes the decision by NCC creates an environment conducive to innovation and growth, benefiting consumers and the industry alike.

“We are confident that this development will pave the way for even greater advancements in telecommunications services across the country,” added

Balsingh.

“Our focus remains on providing exceptional customer satisfaction while contributing to the long-term sustainability of the industry.”

The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has said the remittances of the country is expected to double as the current value of the naira makes it competitive to attract foreign investments into the country.

With the value of the naira closing at N1,548.5 to the dollar at the CBN window, the governor notes that the reforms and policies of the apex bank aimed at stabilizing the value of the naira are beginning to yield fruits.

The naira which depreciated by N5 at the parallel market to close Thursday’s trading activities at N1,665 had appreciated on the CBN window. Cardoso, speaking on Thursday noted that while the adjustment of the naira has had a negative impact on the country due to its import dependency, said it had also presented opportunities.

“I see a lot of foreign investors coming in to take advantage of it. At this stage, our currency is a lot more competitive and the implications for exports and productive activity is significant” he stated, adding that he expects diaspora remittances to double this year following the market reforms.

He noted that the reforms had been able to reduce the disparity between the bureau de change (BDC) and official rates whilst fostering stability in the forex market. Expressing optimistic prospects for the currency, he said the apex bank will continue to “strengthen our mechanisms to constantly be on the watch out for market participants and to ensure that all those who are in that market are subjected to the best practices and those who fail to conform would be appropriately dealt with.”

He pointed out that the recent initiatives and products such as the non-resident BVN and accounts were in response to the discourse between the apex bank and Nigerians in diaspora, Cardoso said “I am very confident that we are going to see a very positive outcome.

We are already seeing and the impact is already starting to show.

“My discussions with the diaspora shows that everybody is very committed to doubling the levels that we are in. So, there are good things ahead on the foreign exchange side. Our efforts have resulted in a significant milestone in 2024 with over $6 billion in foreign capital inflow into Nigeria, external reserves exceeding $40 billion signaling growing investor confidence.

Spanish La Liga side Sevilla have signed in Nigerian striker Akor Adams from French Lique Club, Montpellier HSC.

The Nigerian has scored three goals and registered three assists for La Paillade this season with the club currently rock bottom of Ligue 1.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who revealed earlier on his X handle that talks were at the advanced stage for the player to join Sevilla before the closure of the January transfer window on Friday, January 31, 2025 midnight, has later revealed that the deal has been sealed for €5.5m transfer fee.

Adams has been Montpellier’s go-to Number 9 since joining the club in the summer of 2023. Since arriving from Norway, he has scored 13 goals in 49 games. However, Sevilla have now acquired his services.

In financial difficulty and facing relegation to Ligue 2, Montpellier had been looking to raise funds this month. Adams represented one of La Paillade’s more bankable assets.

Union Bank has commenced the implementation of a daily withdrawal limit on point-of-sale (PoS) terminals.

The implementation followed a directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on December 17, 2024, limiting the daily withdrawal limit on PoS to N100,000 per customer.

According to CBN, the intervention is aimed at addressing identified challenges, combating fraud and establishing uniform operational standards across the industry.

Six weeks later, Union Bank, in an email to customers seen by TheCable, said implementation of the daily withdrawal limit has commenced and customers are limited to a weekly withdrawal of N500,000 on PoS.

“In line with CBN directives, please note that effective immediately, the daily withdrawal limit on POS is now N100,000, while the weekly limits are now fixed at N500,000,” the email reads.

“Our ATMs are also available for your cash withdrawals. We encourage you to use our alternative channels (UnionMobile, *826#, UnionOnline) for all your transactions.”

The bank’s announcement comes a week after CBN sanctioned nine banks for failing to ensure cash availability via automated teller machines (ATM) during the festive season.

Union Bank was one of the affected banks.

The nine banks were fined N150 million following spot checks that revealed noncompliance with the apex bank’s cash distribution guidelines.

Controversial social media personality Bobrisky has revealed plans for his wedding, sharing details about the event’s location, Aso Ebi pricing, and more in a recent Instagram post.

In the post, Bobrisky confirmed that the wedding will feature multiple events across various locations.

According to the influencer, the female Aso Ebi will be priced at a staggering ₦2 million, while the men’s cap will cost ₦1 million.

The wedding will include the following:

Introduction – Nigeria

Engagement – London

White Wedding – USA

Honeymoon – Greece

Bobrisky also made it clear that the celebration will be exclusive, stating, “Broke asses are not invited, please.”

The announcement quickly went viral, with many online users expressing mixed reactions.

Netizens Reactions…

@apostlekingjohn: “Well.. I wish him a happy married life in advance… God will really be busy on judgement day.. unless he will use automated means to dispatch people to their destinations.”

@OmoniyiMrbaby: “Everybody for 9ja don forget about this one..no forget say na two genders dey US now.. hand go soon touch you for where you dey as yankee don change pattern for una.”

@Rae_Bryan112: “LOL Which usa is he think of doing the wedding lol cos i Believed they only Recognize 2 gender now lol make she dey deceive him self.”

@iSam_son: “White wedding for which USA. United States of Abia Abi.”

@ChuksClassie: “So SHIM wants to wed in the US. Donald trump’s number 1 scapegoat.”

@kene_Valentine: “Y’all are continuously blowing his trumpet for him. The internet is really a wild place, for real.”

A retired police inspector identified as Linus Monday has been reportedly caught carrying out a stop and search operation.

A viral photo shows the former officer in a police uniform with ID card number 6257.

The suspect was paraded in one of the police divisions in the country, according to DailyTrust.

As the photo of the police officer went viral, it sparked an online conversation about the retirement benefits for police officers and others who served Nigeria in their prime.

An accident claimed the life of a female prospective corps member who was going to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp at Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The deceased was among a group of 12 prospective corps members in a 14-seater bus involved in the accident.

The female corps member, whose name could not be ascertained at the time of filling this report, was said to have died from injuries sustained while her colleagues and other passengers sustained various degrees of injuries.

Source said the corps members boarded the bus in Enugu heading to the NYSC orientation camp located in Afikpo town for their three weeks oriental course when the bus lost control and rammed into a parked truck in the road.

They are believed to be prospective members of the 2024 Batch C Stream II set of corps members.

They were rescued by residents and security agencies from the mangled bus and rushed to the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) for treatment.

Ebonyi state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Igwe Henry, confirmed the accident.

He, however, said he has no details of casualties as the victims were rescued before his officers got to the scene.

He said: ” At the time our men from Amasiri Unit Command got the information and got to the scene, the victims had been rescued.

“However, the crash occurred at about 14.00 hours. The route was Amasiri-Okiigwe which they call Amenu village in Okposi.

“Two vehicles were involved, one was a Toyota commercial bus, grey colour and the other was a Mercedes-Benz tipper (truck), a commercial Mercedes-Benz tipper, the regular Tipper that you see around,” he stated.

Ebonyi State Coordinator of NYSC, Foluke Oladeinde, said she was in a state of shock.

“I am not in the right frame of mind to talk now. I am in the hospital now. Yes the accident occurred but I can’t talk right now,” she said.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, on Thursday, destroyed fake, adulterated, and unregistered foods, drugs, and cosmetic products worth approximately N1,367,000,000 seized in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The products were destroyed at the Kuje dumpsite in the territory.

In a brief remark during the exercise, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said the destruction exercise is a crucial and routine operation that the agency conducts across all zones of the federation.

Prof Adeyeye, who was represented by the Director in her office, Dr Festus Ukadike, stated: “We carry out these exercises at least once a year in each zone, depending on the volume of seizures made by the agency. The goal is to eliminate substandard, falsified, and expired NAFDAC-regulated products from the supply chain.

“In 2024, NAFDAC achieved remarkable progress, making substantial seizures that underscore our commitment to safeguarding public health. We carried out several destruction exercises across the zones, including Lagos, where products worth over N120bn of falsified, substandard, and unwholesome food products were destroyed.

“Our relentless pursuit of justice against health trafficking cartels has resulted in the seizure of over 6,000 bags of rebagged rice in the FCT alone. These deceitful cartels aim to exploit and harm the unsuspecting Nigerian populace for economic gain. NAFDAC has zero tolerance for such activities and has initiated a thorough investigation to ensure that all involved face appropriate sanctions.”

The DG noted that the products destroyed were seized during the agency’s operations in the FCT and surrounding areas, alongside items handed over by compliant companies and organisations.

The products included drugs such as psychoactive and controlled substances, antibiotics, antihypertensives, antimalarials, herbal snuff, and herbal remedies, including drugs seized from hawkers.

Others were food products, including cookies, vegetable oil, non-alcoholic beverages, and items from supermarkets with labels in foreign languages lacking English translations.

The cosmetics destroyed included creams, lotions, pomades, and skin-lightening products confiscated from spas and beauty centres. Other items included fake Izal, Jik, and medical devices.

Expired and unwholesome products voluntarily submitted for destruction by Non-Governmental Organisations and the Association of Community Pharmacy of Nigeria were also destroyed.

“The estimated street value of the products slated for destruction today is N1,367,000,000. NAFDAC has significantly ramped up its post-marketing surveillance and enforcement activities to counter the threats posed by counterfeit medicines and foods to national security.

“The agency is proactively engaging political, traditional, and faith-based leaders, as well as journalists and the general public, to galvanise support and commitment in the fight against substandard and falsified products,” she added.

The Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, commended NAFDAC for the destruction of the products and warned manufacturers, importers, and related parties that non-compliance with regulations would not be tolerated under the renewed hope agenda.

Okeke, represented by the FCT Coordinator of SON, Gamagira Mohammed, said: “The rules are there, the guidelines are there. If you are not sure, NAFDAC and SON are there to guide you on standards.

“I believe we will continue to strengthen our collaboration so that Nigeria can grow, and everybody will be healthy in the interest of the country.”

The Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, Salamatu Orakwelu, noted: “I commend NAFDAC for this step that you’ve been taking annually, and I assure you that as pharmacists, all measures will be taken to ensure compliance and to support your efforts.”

The Rivers State Police Command has paraded two pastors, Prophet Bassey Umoren (60) and Prophet Elijah Anietie (50), who were caught with fetish items, including caskets, monkey skulls, carved skeletons, and other spiritual materials, in their respective churches.

The duo, who were apprehended by youths of Rumunduru community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, are the founders of God’s Deliverance Apostolic Church and Power House of Glory International Gospel Church, both located along Eneka Road in Rumunduru.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this on Thursday while parading the suspects at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Iringe-Koko said, “This case, which has been trending on social media, involves two pastors reported by youths of Rumunduru community, led by their youth leader, Henry Worlu, on January 20, 2025, at about 9 am.

“The youths brought the suspects, Prophet Umoren Bassey and Prophet Elijah Anietie, both of Akwa Ibom State origin and handed them over to the police for discreet investigation.”

She listed the items recovered from their churches including several photographs—some of which were of children—small caskets, spiritual books, carved images, wooden skulls, crosses, and other ritual items.

The police spokesperson noted that investigations into the matter were ongoing to ascertain the full extent of their activities and possible victims.

Meanwhile, the youths of the Rumunduru community have been lauded for their vigilance in exposing the alleged activities of the suspects, which they claimed posed a spiritual and social threat to the community.

The Federal Government has approved N4bn for conditional cash transfers to vulnerable households in Nigeria.

During the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwada, announced the interventions aimed at addressing the country’s deepening humanitarian crisis.

This initiative is expected to support at least 10 million displaced households, primarily targeting the most vulnerable members of society.

The cash transfer programme is set to commence in February and continue through April, focusing on alleviating the immediate needs of families affected by displacement, particularly in the Northeast.

Additionally, the government has approved N2bn in interest-free loans for farmers, specifically those in rural communities, to boost food production and self-sufficiency.

Professor Yilwada stated: “We are prioritising women, especially widows, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. The experiences of displaced women, particularly those facing pregnancy or disability, are especially challenging. We understand these vulnerabilities and will continue to support those who are most in need.

“The President has approved the Ministry’s plan to begin paying conditional cash transfers to 10 million displaced households between February and April. This initiative aims to support those most in need, particularly vulnerable families affected by displacement.”

He added: “Additionally, the government has allocated N2bn to provide interest-free loans to farmers in rural communities. These loans will range from N300,000 to N400,000 per household, helping farmers access necessary resources and linking them to market opportunities.

“Furthermore, a N4bn provision has been approved to support vulnerable groups through cash transfers, targeting families affected by natural disasters and other crises. These interventions are part of the government’s broader strategy to alleviate poverty and provide relief to those in urgent need.”

The Minister further emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons, returnees, and affected communities across Nigeria.

The HNRP, Yilwada noted, was developed through extensive consultations and is designed to address the humanitarian challenges in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and other conflict-affected regions.

“We are combining the efforts of humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding platforms to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable solutions for these communities,” he added.