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CSOs back NCC on Telecom tariff increase, other reforms
The Concerned Citizens Forum (CCF) has thrown its weight behind the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the recent tariff increase by telecommunications operators.
The group lauded the NCC’s leadership for its patriotism and commitment to ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
At a press conference in Abuja, the National President of CCF, Opialu Fabian, noted that the tariff adjustment was necessary to reflect the current economic realities faced by telecom operators.
He explained that despite the significant increase in operating costs, Nigerian telecom rates had not increased since 2013.
Fabian emphasised that the NCC’s decision to approve a 50% tariff increase, rather than the over 100% increment requested by operators, demonstrated the commission’s commitment to balancing the interests of operators, consumers, and the broader economy.
The CCF president also commended the NCC for directing operators to offer affordable service plans tailored to different income levels, ensuring that telecommunications services remain accessible to all Nigerians.
He said: “Indeed, the approved tariff adjustments are not just about addressing the financial challenges faced by operators; they are also a strategic move to secure the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications sector.
“The adjustments will enable operators to invest in critical infrastructure, thereby improving network quality, reducing service disruptions, and enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
“Furthermore, the adjustments will support the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy by providing the necessary resources for operators to expand connectivity to underserved areas.
“This will drive innovation, encourage more educational research purposes, create job opportunities, allow the operators discharge their services at optimal level, and boost economic productivity, ultimately benefiting the entire nation.
“Perhaps, the NCC’s emphasis on assisting local suppliers and vendors who are essential to the telecommunications industry is arguably one of its most patriotic features.
“The NCC is creating an atmosphere where regional companies can prosper and make significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth by guaranteeing the telecom sector’s viability. This approach aligns with national goals of promoting self-reliance and fostering economic opportunities for Nigerians, thereby strengthening the country’s position as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.
“Nonetheless, the NCC remains deeply empathetic to the financial challenges faced by Nigerian households and businesses, particularly during these economically challenging times. While the tariff adjustment may result in modest increases in consumer bills, it is important to recognize that the long-term benefits far outweigh the immediate costs.
“With Improved service quality, greater network coverage, and enhanced customer support will ensure that consumers receive value for their money. To further mitigate the impact on vulnerable groups, the NCC has directed operators to offer affordable service plans tailored to different income levels, ensuring that telecommunications services remain accessible to all Nigerians.
“Apparently, the concerned citizens Forum would like everyone to know that the Nigeria’s telecommunications industry does not operate in isolation at all. Globally, tariff adjustments are standard regulatory practice uses to reflect market realities and sustain industry growth.
“The NCC’s decision isn’t an alien one, but that which aligns with international best practices, ensuring that Nigeria has a strong competitive recognition in the international telecommunications landscape. However, a rigorous examination would reveal that the NCC has a clear vision for a robust, and inclusive telecoms ecosystem, as seen by its initiatives to protect consumers, engage stakeholders, and support the expansion of indigenous firms.
“The NCC’s decision to give the sustainability of the telecom industry top priority affirms its dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s connection in the future and making sure the country continues to lead Africa in digital innovation. Indeed, it is important to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
“His administration focus on economic reforms that helped to upscale digital inclusivity has laid the foundation for the continuous growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. The tariff adjustment approved by the NCC aligns perfectly with these broader objectives, an action that is reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a digital powerhouse. “
According to Fabian, the tariff adjustment is a forward-looking strategy aimed at addressing immediate challenges while securing the long-term viability of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
He urged all stakeholders to support the NCC in its efforts to build a telecommunications environment that benefits everyone.
Nollywood star Annie Idibia opens up about life after her separation from music legend 2Baba. The actress reveals her daughters, Isabella and Olivia, are her strongest source of strength and emotional support.
She expressed her feelings during a red carpet interview at the Headies Awards, the actress spoke openly about how her daughters, Isabella and Olivia, have become her greatest pillar of strength during this emotional transition.
Her candid conversation sparked widespread admiration from fans, especially for the way she continues to prioritise her family and remain grounded amid personal turmoil.
During the emotional exchange at the prestigious awards show, Annie made it clear that her daughters are not just her children but the centre of her universe. She described Isabella and Olivia as her “only family” and her “backbone”, highlighting the deep bond she shares with them.
Annie shared her message in Pidgin English: “My children dey Kampe. The first one dey Yankee, she dey go school. No play with that girl o. I don’t play with my kids. Na them be my backbone.”
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced plans to establish a centralised system for the authentication and verification of all travel documents in Nigeria.
He made this known during a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday with the United Kingdom’s Minister of State, David Hanson.
In the company of Hanson were delegates from the UK Home Office, National Crime Agency, and the British High Commission.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the initiative aims to tackle immigration and document fraud, particularly those associated with border control.
“We discovered that one of the key drivers of rising document fraud is the absence of a centralised, real-time verification system,” he said.
“Currently, if someone submits 20 documents, you may need to contact 20 different issuing agencies to verify them. That breeds inefficiency.”
He explained that the proposed system would allow real-time verification of all documents—such as bank statements, passports, and certificates—at a single centre.
The minister also said Nigeria was ready to take the lead in formulating a regional strategy for border control, noting that regional differences required customised approaches.
“To tackle a heterogeneous problem with a homogeneous approach will not work,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
“That’s why we’re planning a regional border conference to allow for the development of unified yet adaptable strategies to combat migration and border-related challenges.”
He further disclosed that Nigeria’s EU visa solution platform would go live on May 1.
According to him, this will allow for more efficient processing and international cooperation while safeguarding national security and promoting investment.
“We now have a policy that ensures a response—approval or rejection—within 24 to 48 hours of applying for an EU visa,” he said.
Speaking on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the administration’s commitment to preventing corruption rather than merely reacting to it.
“Our performance will be judged not by the number of convictions or recoveries but by how many crimes or frauds we prevent,” he said.
In his remarks, Hanson expressed the UK’s readiness to continue collaborating with Nigeria to improve criminal justice outcomes.
Hanson noted that the UK was reviewing its e-visa system and migration policies while exploring ways to expand trade, business, and skills development opportunities with Nigeria.
“My colleagues at the High Commission are eager to maintain strong engagement with the Nigerian government,” he said
According to him, the UK looks forward to enhancing cooperation in tackling crime and fraud.
“You can rest assured that the National Crime Agency, the High Commission, and the Home Office are ready to extend a hand of partnership,” he said.
….Says Atiku on his way out of PDP
…It was against my people’s will
Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has revealed that ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar is preparing to leave the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Recall that, Atiku was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, with Okowa as his running mate.
On March 20, 2023, the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, a former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and others jointly announced the creation of a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
The move has sparked ongoing discussions about the potential for a united opposition, with political leaders expressing varied opinions.
Speaking on Arise News on Tuesday, Okowa—who officially joined the All Progressives Congress on Monday—expressed regret for not aligning with his people in supporting a southern candidate in 2023 instead of accepting the role as Atiku’s running mate. He said, “Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power.
“But the decision had already been taken at the federal level by the party, and I had been nominated. Still, in retrospect, I now believe I should have gone with the will of my people.”
He added that the election of the current Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, proves that the people still have confidence in their leadership.
Okowa added, “That showed the people still believed in us, believed in me. They said you’ve done well, and we will support the governor you have chosen. And they did.”
When asked about his communication with Atiku before leaving the PDP, Okowa responded, “I actually did communicate with him that we were going to have stakeholders meetings this week (in the last week) and that it was going to be a leadership meeting and the outcome of that meeting was going to determine our next path because we were no longer comfortable with the PDP.
“And I also know that he is already heading out of the PDP from the communications he has passed on to me, and that Nigerians know already.”