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NATCOMS asks NCC to sanction MTN, others for breach of agreement

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The National Association of Telecommunication Subscribers (NATCOMS) has urged the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to sanction any telecom operator which may have already implemented the tariff hike, for breach of agreement.

The National President, NATCOMS, Mr Deolu Ogunbanjo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that any telecom operator which had implemented the tariff hike was actually breaching the agreement by the NCC and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

NAN reports that, following the NLC objections to the tariff hike, the Federal Government established a 10-man committee to deliberate on the proposal and report back to it in two weeks before any final decision would be made on the new telecom tariff structure.

Ogunbanjo said that the NCC had agreed to hold a stakeholders’ meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), subscribers and the telecoms operators represented within two weeks to discuss the issue of tariff hike.

He said that the stakeholders meeting was yet to be held neither had the two weeks elapsed before the telcos started implementation of the 50 per cent tariff hike.

According to him, this is an affront and defaulters should be sanctioned.

“I am sure you are aware that NATCOMS was prepared to head to court to challenge the 50 per cent tariff hike but decided to wait for the outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting.

“This is the advice that was given to the subscribers association by its national general secretary who happens to be a lawyer.

“So why should the hike be implemented when the stakeholders’ meeting is yet to be held?

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“The NCC should, as a matter of urgency, sanction the telcos for implementing an upward review of tariffs,’’ he said.

NAN reports that a check using the *312# code on the MTN network showed that the telco had revised its data prices.

For the monthly plans, MTN 1.8GB now goes for N1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan priced at N1,000; the 15GB plan now costs N6,500, a rise from N4,500.

The 20GB monthly plan has been adjusted to N7,500, up from N5,500, among others.

Further checks show that all the networks had reviewed their text messaging price from N4.00 to N6.00.

NAN reports that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry’s regulatory body had approved a maximal increment of 50 per cent tariff adjustments to operators in January.

The Commission said its approval, though less than the 100 per cent hike demanded by operators, was in response to prevailing operational costs.

It said that its decision was pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators.

However, NATCOMS had threatened to sue the NCC, while the Nigeria Labour Congress had pledged to start an industrial action if the 50 per cent proposed tariff hike was not reviewed downwards.

This prompted the Federal Government to constitute a 10-man committee to deliberate on the tariff hike within two weeks and report back before any final decision was made on the new telecom tariff structure.

Despite this agreement, telecom firms have proceeded with the increase, prompting the NLC to issue a March 1 deadline for a total shutdown of their operations if the tariff hike are not reversed. (NAN)

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Patience Has Limit, Reforms Should Yield Results, Tomori Tells FG

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A former Vice Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Prof Oyewale Tomori, has urged the Federal Government to put in the necessary work for its reforms to produce quick positive results that will assuage the suffering and hardship of ordinary Nigerians.

The eminent virologist was a guest on the Friday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television.

According to him, Nigerians have been patient enough in the last 22 months since the administration of President Bola Tinubu introduced its twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of the foreign exchange.

Tomori said, “We must not think of the immediate but long term. Where are we going? Where are all these economic policies leading us? Is it going to be better than what we have? If it is, then we need to be patient.

“There are measles spots of the good things they are doing. We must let those things continue and improve on them rather than say this government is not this, this government is not that.

“It is easy to destroy but it takes a long time to rebuild. It is easy to tell Nigerians: ‘Be patient, be patient’. We’ve been patient all along. I hope the government people are also listening that there is a time limit to patience.

“People must begin to see the effect of what you are doing and making a change in their lives, positive changes. When that happens, this government or any government will get the support of the people.

“But when you tell me to be patient when I have black hair and by the time I have grey hairs you are still telling me to be patient, then I will have to say what else am I waiting for?

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“There is the need for patience but also there is the need to accelerate certain things so that people can live well.”

The professor urged the government to address the issues of security and electricity and make the environment conducive for people to live and practice what they know.

Tomori challenged state governments to rise to the occasion and be beneficial to the people.

“We should see more from state governments, they should bring the facilities next to the people. They come into Abuja to collect money but nobody monitors what they do with the money,” he said.

“As we are putting pressure on the Federal Government, we should put pressure on the state governments, and get them to do the work.

“I’ve been to different states and nothing has changed. We have flyovers and fly-unders but how is that affecting the people? Look at the problems of the people, put your money there, and solve those problems. That is the relevance we are talking about. State governments are not relevant to their people,” he added.

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Crypo market rebounds as bitcoin surges to $82k

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The cryptocurrency market is stabilising after a turbulent start to the week, gaining nearly $89 billion and pushing the total market cap to $2.61 trillion.

Bitcoin rebounded above $80,000, with analysts suggesting a breakout past $82,761 could lead to $85,000, supported by strong investor confidence.

Key political and economic developments fueled this turnaround. Ukraine’s 30-day ceasefire following U.S. talks, reported by Bloomberg, eased geopolitical tensions, boosting investor sentiment.
Ontario lifted a 25% tariff on electricity exports to the U.S., reducing trade frictions.

In the U.S., Speaker Mike Johnson urged patience, saying, “People need to be patient in waiting to see what President Trump was planning for the economy.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reassured investors, stating, “The recent market volatility was a transitory period, not a trend or a long-term one.”

Earlier in the week, crypto markets saw nearly $1 billion in liquidations as Bitcoin and Ethereum hit monthly lows.

However, stability returned, and in the past 24 hours, total liquidations reached $384.4 million—$138.2 million from long positions and $246.2 million from short positions.

Despite the recovery, analysts remain cautious. While reduced geopolitical risks and trade tensions have helped, inflation data, Federal Reserve policies, and ongoing global uncertainties could still impact markets.

The coming weeks will determine whether the market sustains its gains or faces renewed volatility.

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Huawei Trains Nigerian Civil Servants, Harp On Renewable Energy

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In a move to support Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy, global technology giant Huawei has collaborated with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service and the Ministry of Power to equip Nigerian civil servants with essential skills in the green energy sector.

The two-day training programme theme “Green Energy and Solar Power Training” held in Abuja, targeted Directors of Engineering Departments across various ministries and agencies, aiming to enhance their knowledge of solar energy technologies and further champion its adoption in Nigeria. Participants were trained in making informed decisions on solar product selection, system maintenance, and ensuring energy efficiency in government operations.

Speaking at the opening of the training, Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented by Permanent Secretary Alhaji Mahumuda Mamman, highlighted Huawei’s critical role in advancing renewable energy solutions.

“Huawei, as a global leader in technology and innovation, has been instrumental in making solar energy more efficient, scalable, and accessible,” Adelabu stated.

“Their involvement in this programme reflects their commitment not only to technological advancement but also to the education and empowerment of Nigeria’s energy leaders.”

Adelabu expressed confidence that the training would equip participants with valuable skills that would benefit their careers and contribute to Nigeria’s goal of energy independence and sustainability.

“The success of our energy transition depends on collaboration—between government, industry, and the technology sector,” he added.

“By working together, we can develop the infrastructure, policies, and human capital needed to accelerate Nigeria’s shift to a green energy economy.”

In his welcome remarks,Huawei Board Director Jim Zhang underscored the company’s longstanding presence in Nigeria, emphasising its contributions to the country’s digital and energy sectors.

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“A lot of people know Huawei for our equipment, headsets, and laptops. However, we also provide digital power solutions, smart photovoltaic (PV) systems, and energy storage solutions (ESS) in Nigeria,” Zhang said.

He noted that Huawei has been in Nigeria for 26 years, operating two headquarters in Lagos and Abuja, alongside a training centre, an operations centre, and an innovation hub.

“We have already supplied nearly 100 megawatts of power through our smart PV and ESS systems in Nigeria,” Zhang revealed.

“We also collaborate with several universities, offering training programmes for students and professionals.”

Zhang reaffirmed Huawei’s commitment to working closely with the Nigerian government and businesses to address electricity challenges and enhance energy efficiency.

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr Danjuma Usman Kalba, commended Huawei’s efforts in training civil servants. She stressed the importance of institutionalising such initiatives to ensure continuous capacity building in the public sector.

“We cannot thank Huawei enough for making itself available and organising this training,” Walson-Jack said.

“We hope this will become a continuous initiative within the civil service.”

She further emphasised the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy, urging ministries and agencies to align their strategies with global sustainability policies.

“The world is increasingly focusing on climate change and its impact. It is essential that Nigeria aligns with global renewable energy policies,” she said.

“I encourage participants to seize this opportunity to understand solar energy systems, particularly their maintenance and practical applications.”

The 2-day training program features technical sessions tailored to enhance participants knowledge and capabilities in solar power, as well as site visits to Huawei-implemented project sites as part of the effort to equip participants with practical knowledge and drive the nation towards a sustainable and energy-efficient future.

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