The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, says that telecom tariffs will soon increase but assures Nigerians that it will not be the 100 per cent that telecom operators are pushing for at the moment.

The Minister disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) on Wednesday in Abuja. He said consultations and engagements were ongoing to arrive at an acceptable rate, assuring that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), would soon approve the new tariffs and make it public to Nigerians.

“You have seen over the past weeks that there has been agitation from some of these companies to increase tariff. They are requesting for 100 per cent tariff increase.

“But it will not be by 100 per cent. We are still looking at that study and NCC will come up with a clear directive on how we will go about it.

“We want to strike the balance as a government to protect our people, but also protect and ensure that these companies can continue to invest significantly.

“We need to ensure that as a sector, we get our acts together, ensure that from the regulation side, we put the right regulations in place that can ensure the growth of this sector.”

The Minister also noted that the Federal Government would no longer leave investments on infrastructure in the sector to private companies alone.

“As a country, over time, we have left this investments in the hands of the private sector. They typically invest where they can see returns in the short to medium term.

“We will not want this conversation to just be about tariff increase. I think what the world is talking about today is meaningful connectivity.

“You want to have access to very good quality service.

“A part of it that the consumers may not be aware of is the investment that needs to go into the infrastructure that is used to deliver these services,” he said.

The Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC), of the NCC Dr Aminu Maida said that the meeting with stakeholders was about the sustainability of the industry.

“We have looked at all of these factors, and that is why, like the Minister said, it is not likely that we are going to approve 100 per cent tariff increase.

“I know that Nigerians are agitated to hear the exact percentage approved. There is still some stakeholder engagements that we are going through, but you will hear from us within a week or two.”

He said that the NCC had put a number of tools and instruments into place by revising its quality of service regulations for compliance service quality.

He said that the MNOs must comply simplified templates to show Nigerians charges per minute for voice calls, SMS and a megabyte of data.

“We are moving away from the regime where you will have a main rate, then you will now have a bonus which is at a different rate.

“It makes it often complicated and difficult for Nigerians to actually understand what they are being charged for.

“This is one of the things when we took a lot of time over the past year looking at data there is this agitation that the MNOs are stealing our data,” he said.

The CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, represented by Femi Adeniran, Airtel media spokes person, noted that for the telecoms commitment to delivering superior connectivity and fostering digital inclusion, there is need for tariff increments.

“The economic realities of rising operational and capital costs, necessitated the proposed tariff adjustments.

This is aimed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector while unlocking significant benefits for Nigerian consumers,” he said.

Bashir Ahmad, former Special Assistant on Digital Communications to former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has argued that Almajiri children should not be regarded as out-of-school kids. 

Ahmad shared this in a tweet on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, affirming the sentiment of the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Saidu on the matter. 

Almajiri is an Hausa word which means a group of people or children who leave their homes in search of Quranic knowledge. However, the term has been colloquially expanded to refer to any young person who begs on the streets and does not attend secular school.

In his submission, Bashir called for the integration of the Almajiri education system into the national educational framework.

The ex-presidential aide argued that the Federal Government’s recognition of the Almajiri set up as a system of education could make the north become the region with the least number of out-of-school children in the country.

“The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Saidu, is absolutely correct that Almajiri children should not be classified as out-of-school children, as the Almajiri is a system of Islamic education. However, I believe the best way to address this is by integrating the Almajiri education system into our national educational framework or ensuring it is officially recognized by the system.

“Once this is achieved, the northern states could become those with the lowest numbers of out-of-school children, as it is rare to find a child in the north who does not attend either formal or Islamic school,” he said.

He added that Almajiri children are visible on the streets primarily because the current system does not adequately provide for their needs. 

“If Almajiri schools were given treatment in terms of support and structure similar to that of boarding schools, the narrative would change entirely,” he said.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, alleged he and his family have received death threats over his remarks about Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Morka stated that the threats were triggered by Obi’s accusation that his remarks during a Sunday interview on Arise Television constituted a threat to the LP candidate’s life.

During another appearance on Arise News on Wednesday, the APC spokesman disclosed that he had recorded over 400 threats, including approximately 200 explicit death threats, many of which were described in graphic detail.

Morka said, “Peter Obi’s allegations that my words in that interview threatened his life have triggered serious consequences.

“As of now, I have documented 400 threats, about 200 of which are explicit death threats. These are written threats that I will be submitting to law enforcement agencies.

“In these messages, individuals have detailed how they plan to harm me—threatening to shoot me, behead me, and carry out other gruesome acts. This is not mere rhetoric. It has even extended to direct threats against some members of my family. These are explicit and graphic threats, not vague insinuations.”

He strongly denied making any comments that could be interpreted as threatening Obi’s life, describing the allegations as baseless.

“This entire situation is baseless and cannot be attributed to me. I did not threaten Peter Obi in any way. Those issuing these threats are acting on their own, but I trust that law enforcement will respond swiftly to bring them to justice,” he added.

Morka’s initial remarks during Sunday’s interview sparked outrage after he accused Obi of “crossing the line” in his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that the former governor“deserved whatever came his way.”

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, called on the APC to apologise to Obi and Nigerians for what he described as inflammatory and disgraceful language.

Similarly, the Labour Party issued a seven-day ultimatum to Tinubu, demanding that Morka be reprimanded for his comments.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Marcel Ngogbehei, Director-General of the Labour Party Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration, decried what he described as a targeted campaign against Obi.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nicolas Felix, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting his preparedness and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

Following a meeting with the President at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Monday, Felix expressed admiration for Tinubu’s leadership qualities.

“Dr. Reuben Abati’s assertion that the President has settled down on his job is, in fact, an understatement.

“This is not just a leader settling in; this is someone who came fully prepared and knows exactly what he’s doing,” Felix remarked.

The conversation between Felix and Tinubu centered on strategies to advance Nigeria’s development and address pressing national challenges.

Felix praised the administration’s reforms, particularly the establishment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC), which he said underscores the President’s dedication to a technology-driven future.

He also commended Tinubu’s commitment to inclusivity, evident in the substantial representation of young people and women in his government.

“I thanked the President for fulfilling his campaign promises to empower young people and women within his administration.

“It’s unprecedented to see such strong representation at the federal level. It shows his commitment to building an inclusive and diverse leadership,” he said.

Felix, who contested against Tinubu during the APC presidential primary for the 2023 election, further emphasized his confidence in Tinubu’s capabilities, noting their discussion on key policies.

“I had the privilege of discussing key policies with him, and I was struck by his insight and clear understanding of the issues. Nigerians didn’t elect a novice.

“We have a leader who is not only qualified but also fully equipped to steer the country in the right direction. I must say, we are in very safe hands,” Felix stated.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, accusing him of implementing policies that are detrimental to the country’s progress and well-being.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, the Chief Promoter of the Muslim-Muslim Ticket, Governor Mohammed described Tinubu as a leader who does not listen to the voices of the people. He expressed frustration over the president’s refusal to address the hardship caused by his administration’s policies.

“Tinubu and I are not on good terms because his policies are causing hardship for the citizens,” the governor stated, adding that the northern region has been particularly affected by the recent tax reforms proposed by the federal government.

The governor emphasized the North’s economic vulnerabilities, noting that many states in the region heavily depend on federal allocations for survival. He warned that the tax reforms would exacerbate the region’s challenges, plunging it into further economic strain.

“The North, unfortunately, heavily relies on federal allocation to survive. The reforms he is proposing will put the region under dire strain,” he said.

The governor urged Sheikh Jingir to use his influence to appeal to President Tinubu to reconsider his stance on these policies.

“Thank God you are alive today to use your wise words of wisdom in this regard because us politicians tend to use harsh words in our approach, i believe you can inform the change we require” the governor emphasized.

He called for a more inclusive approach to governance that prioritizes the needs of all Nigerians, particularly the economically disadvantaged regions.

The President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Oye, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

Oye said the President’s economic policies have not helped the country’s economy, including the growth of the private sector.

In an interview with Arise News on Tuesday, he decried the continued decline of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the slide of the nation’s economic ranking among other African nations.

Recall that the NACCIMA’s President, in his New Year statement, condemned the country’s 2024 economic performance.

He warned that borrowing more loans or increasing taxes would not help the nation’s economy.

“What is important is that we normally have inflation when government has spent its revenue. And the tendency for government is to try to borrow or to increase taxes to fill that gap. If you do that, you only make Nigeria poorer.

“If you look at our current GDP, in 2014, we were at $568 billion. And we are going down every year. So you cannot use the same treatment for a sickness that has never worked before. Last year, we had a budget for 2024. And look at it in real terms, we are declining.

“In fact, this year’s budget is far lower in real terms than last year’s budget. And we are shrinking. And also look at our standing in the African GDP. We are about number five now, maybe going to six. All these are due to the domestic policies that have been made, deficit financing, this coordinated transfer from the private sector to the public sector. So what you are seeing is that the private sector is shrinking while the public sector is expanding,” he said.

2025 Budget, Loans, Tax, Cost of Governance and Collaboration with Private Sectors

Oye faulted the 2025 budget, stating that it lacked the essentials to lift the hardship plaguing the nation. According to him, there was not much difference between the 2024 budget and that of 2025.

He called for collaboration between the government and private sector. He stressed the need for the government to include the private sector in some of its policy formulation and execution.

“So government must listen more to the business and the business that will generate the income that will be used to pay these loans. The loans are not sustainable, but they will start cutting down costs in the government sector. It will be very difficult to grow the economy. So government must listen more to the private sector.

“We are not aware of the effort the government has made in giving us two ministers recently in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to support the private sector. We are grateful and we are fully engaging with them. But what is important, government must also get its other organizations, other MDAs, the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance, all of them to key in and work with the private sector. Because we are the ones to pay the loans back from our production. Government does not produce any goods or services. A holding contract is not an economic activity or you are launching a project. What pays for these bills is the efforts of the private sector. So government must work with us,” he noted.

NACCIMA President enjoined the President to listen less to praise singers. He warned that too much taxation would shrink the economy more.

Oye further advised the government to consider business competitiveness, particularly, in comparison with other nations before further actions on taxes.

“And if you look at the current budget, tell me, anything that is different from the 2024, there is nothing. It is the same old, same old budget. So we need to change. The people that are telling the President that he is doing very well, they should show us. All the indices show there is a decline. So it is not to tax us more or to increase tax.

“In fact, to increase our competitiveness, we must find a way to reduce tax. Anytime we are making laws in Nigeria, look at what our neighbors are offering. Before we plug in our own rates so that we can be competitive. So this is the reason. We cannot tax ourselves out of this problem. We have to increase capacity of the private sector. We are not asking for a handout. We are not asking for money from government. We have the formula that will bring down interest rates so that people can borrow at a sustainable level,” he explained.

He reiterated that private sector players want a conducive business environment from government and not handouts.

“The President himself gave us an eight-point agenda that he will give us single-digit loans. I’m not asking for government to give us money. Government should create the enabling environment. We need to sit down with government to establish this. So this is what NACCIMA is saying in nutshell,” he added.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party have strongly criticized the ₦55.5 billion allocated for the maintenance of the presidential fleet in the 2025 Appropriation Bill, currently awaiting approval by the National Assembly.

The contentious allocation includes expenses for the overhaul of three aircraft engines, fuelling, fumigation, air navigation, cleaning, and general maintenance.

If approved, it would surpass the total spent on the fleet between July 2023 and September 2024, which amounted to ₦19.43 billion.

Critics argue that the budgetary priority is misplaced, particularly given Nigeria’s economic challenges.

The South-West Chairman of the PDP, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, in an interview with Punch questioned whether the presidency was planning to procure additional aircraft.

Similarly, Labour Party factional National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, described the allocation as “inhuman and satanic,” criticizing the government for prioritizing luxury expenses while millions of Nigerians struggle to make ends meet.

A breakdown of the 2025 budget showed that ₦8.6 billion was earmarked for air navigational equipment repairs, ₦5.5 billion for an engine overhaul of an aircraft with the registration number 5N-FGW, and ₦3.1 billion for the overhaul of two additional engines.

Other expenses include ₦1.5 billion for aircraft fuel, ₦1.25 billion for general maintenance, ₦149 million for security operations, and ₦7.5 million for cleaning and fumigation.

Additionally, ₦311.1 million was allocated for aircraft insurance premiums, a sum likely to be handled by foreign insurance companies due to the lack of capacity among local insurers.

Local companies, acting as intermediaries, often facilitate these transactions with insurers based in the United States and the United Kingdom.

For comparison, the entire aviation ministry’s budget for 2025 is ₦105.95 billion, with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development allocated ₦71.12 billion. Sub-agencies such as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (₦9.82 billion), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (₦7.98 billion), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (₦10.03 billion), and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (₦7 billion) also received allocations.

Arabambi in his take said, “The presidential air fleet already has some aircraft, including a recently purchased Airbus A330, which cost over $100m.

“The government’s spending habit is a clear indication of its lack of commitment to reducing poverty and inequality.”

The executive chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran, noted, “What we are getting from this administration is opposite to our expectations… an administration that has fallen in love with profligacy.

“It’s time the government rethink its priorities and start putting the needs of its citizens first. The proposed expenditure on presidential jets is a national shame, and it’s time for Nigerians to demand better from their leaders. As you noted, it’s surprising that the same people who are complaining about the government’s wasteful spending will likely vote for the same politicians in the next election. It’s a vicious cycle that needs to be broken.”

Former employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have challenged the claim by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso that no staff member was forcefully disengaged from the institution.

Naija News understands that the governor made the assertion while appearing before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating staff disengagements under the Early Exit Program (EEP).

Represented by the Deputy Governor of Corporate Services, Mohammed Bala Bello, the CBN stated that the EEP was a voluntary program initiated by the Bank’s Management in response to staff requests.

Bello emphasized that participation in the program was entirely voluntary, with incentives provided for those who opted to exit the Bank. He insisted that no staff member was compelled to leave.

However, when questioned further about disengagements that occurred before the introduction of the EEP, Bello acknowledged that some staff had indeed been retired earlier. He maintained that these employees received their full benefits as stipulated.

Disgruntled former staff, however, accused Governor Cardoso of omitting key details before the committee.

Speaking to Daily Trust, they alleged that over 200 confirmed and pensionable staff, including executives, were arbitrarily retired under the guise of restructuring and reorganization.

They argued that these actions violated Section 14(4) of the CBN Act, which mandates Board approval for the appointment and disengagement of staff at the level of Assistant Director and above.

“How can the Governor and his deputies justify disengaging staff, including senior executives, without a formal restructuring program or the necessary Board approval?” the former staff queried.

They further alleged that Bello misrepresented facts by claiming the Board had not been inaugurated at the time of the disengagements.

According to them, the Board was officially constituted following the Senate’s confirmation of members on February 29, 2024, nearly two weeks before the disengagements began on March 15, 2024.

The former employees are calling for a thorough investigation into the matter, accusing the CBN’s leadership of overstepping their authority and violating due process in their actions.