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NATCOMS rejects alleged tariff hike, urges NCC to nullify it
The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has rejected the alleged Telecoms tariff hike and called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to nullify its approval.
NATCOMS made this known in a communiqué issued after its National Exco held an emergency meeting on the planned tariff hike of Telecommunication Services in the Country.
The communiqué signed by its National President, Adeolu Ogunbanjo and the National Secretary Bayo Omotubora, also advised operators to embrace other options of generating funds for their operations.
The duo explained that the new increment would make telecommunication Services more expensive by 40 per cent and attract 12.5 per cent tax rate, pricing two thirds of Telecoms Services Subscribers out of its market.
“Under the new tariffs regime, a voice call will rise from N11.00 to N15.40 per minute, short message services will jump from N4.00 to N5.60.
“One GB data bundle will move from N1,000 to N1,400. This represents additional digital costs consumers will have to square up with at the beginning of a new year among other harsh economic realities of Nigeria of today.
“This is a complete negation of the statutory duty of NCC to protect the interest of Telecom Services Consumers.
“We are aware of the arguments of the Telecoms Operators that there has not been any tariff increment in a decade, multiple levies slammed on them by different tiers of Government and the dollarization costs of their equipment.
“But truth be told, there are many other avenues through which the operators can generate funds to meet their rising operational costs without putting unbearable burden on their consumers.”
NATCOMS suggested the Nigerian Stock Exchange Market, for instance, as a veritable avenue for the operators to raise funds to meet their costs requirements.
“This Association considers the decision of the NCC as very insensitive and not in the interest of Telecoms Services Consumers.
“The unrelenting rise in prices of Goods and Services in the country has made life extremely difficult for the generality of citizens who are the consumers of telecom services.
“The new increment is therefore one additional burden too many.”
NATCOMS noted that telecoms services were taxable services under the Value Added Tax Act amended in 2019, by the Finance Act, to raise the tax rate from 5 per cent to 7.5 Per cent.
“That increment brought about untold hardship to our members, many of whom have been forced to cut back on their telecommunication requirements.”
The association urged the NCC to reconsider its decision in the interest of the generality of citizens.
The News Agency (NAN) reports that the NCC, when contacted for its reaction, said all issues around the tariff hike should be ignored.
The Commission also said that it would provide an official statement to the public to clarify all speculations about Telecoms tariff hike. (NAN)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a significant step towards guaranteeing a smooth and transparent electoral process for the 2027 general elections with the inauguration of the Election Project Plan Committee (EPPC).
The Commission announced this development in a statement on its website on Wednesday. The committee, tasked with formulating a strategic framework for the elections, was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, 11th March 2025, at the INEC Conference Hall in Abuja.
Chaired by Professor Rhoda H. Gumus, the committee is mandated to create a comprehensive roadmap for conducting the elections. Its responsibilities include reviewing the Terms of Reference, developing a Work Plan, establishing sub-committees, designing an Elections Project Plan (EPP) Template, and setting submission deadlines for planning documents.
In her address during the inauguration, Professor Gumus highlighted the vital role of early planning in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
She stated, “The significance of early planning cannot be overstated when it comes to ensuring a seamless electoral process. I urge all committee members to diligently fulfil their responsibilities to uphold electoral integrity and transparency.”
The committee comprises several senior INEC officials, including:
1. Mr. Kenneth Ukeagu – Chair, Tenders Board (Member)
2. Dr. Baba Bila – Chair, EOLC (Member)
3. Mr. Sam Olumekun – Chair, EPMC (Member)
4. Professor Abdullahi Abdu Zuru – Chair, BEI (Member)
5.
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has expressed its appreciation to the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, in partnership with the Back to School Initiative, for their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for girls from low-income backgrounds.
Professor Usman Abubakar Zaria, the Director General of the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority, made this statement during an advocacy visit from the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and the Back to School Initiative, aimed at improving access to education for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He stated that improving education in the state would significantly contribute to reducing social vices, emphasising his strong belief in the initiative to ensure that girls from low-income families receive the education they deserve, both in the state and across the country.
The Director General highlighted that last year, the state government covered the Junior WAEC examination fees for 136,000 students, and this year, a further 173,000 junior students will benefit from this government policy aimed at raising educational standards in the state.
He further explained that the state government has implemented policies to eliminate obstacles that hinder the revitalisation of education in the region.
Reverend John Joseph Hayab, Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, assured that they would continue their efforts to enhance quality education for all, particularly for children from low-income backgrounds, enabling them to fully realise their academic potential.
He added, “We recognise that many students who could have completed their secondary education have been unable to do so, which has prompted civil society to advocate for the Kaduna State Government to reinstate the policy of assisting students from low-income backgrounds in exploring their full potential in society.
Yet another beneficiary of the New Nigerian Newspaper scheme has tragically passed away while awaiting payment, raising the death toll of those who have died in this situation to 107.
A statement published on the official WhatsApp group for NSGF Beneficiaries announced, “In submission to the will of God Almighty, I regret to inform you of the passing of our former colleague, Mr Zakka Bitiyong from the Commercial Printing Department and Radio Room. His death occurred last night, 11th March 2025.”
Investigations reveal that approximately 29 other beneficiaries awaiting payment from the Northern Governors are currently experiencing severe health issues and are hospitalised.
The Northern Governors have accrued 7 billion naira from the sale of New Nigerian Newspaper properties, ostensibly to pay the beneficiaries. However, to date, not a single kobo has been disbursed from the 2.5 billion naira owed to the retirees.