The minister said this while briefing State House Correspondents on Thursday.

The minister had led Mr Sunil Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Airtel and other members of the executive of the company, to a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Tijani said the decision to increase telecoms tariff was difficult.

He, however, said that it was the responsibility of the government to look out for the interest of citizens, individuals and businesses.

“We have to ensure that when they invest, we can keep them afloat.

” This is a sector that employs close to half a million people in this country, including the value chain.

“Also, it was quite a difficult decision, balancing the need to allow these businesses to be sustainable, to stay afloat, but at the same time ensuring that each and every citizen can have access to telecommunication services,” said Tijani.

He stated that the Federal Government engaged KPMG to conduct a study to determine the optimal tariff allowance which led to the 50 per cent increase.

“If we chose not to allow the increase in tariff, we also were at risk of losing jobs, and some of the companies packing up.

“When you weigh that, it’s also not the best thing for the economy.

” The priority for this government is actually meaningful access.

“We don’t want our people to just have access to telecommunication services.

” We want it to be meaningful; the quality that you get is extremely important,” the minister said.

He said the Federal Government had invested in 90,000 kilometres of fiber to ensure the entire country was covered.

The minister added that the Federal Executive Council had also approved investment in additional 7,000 telecoms towers in rural areas.

He said quality access and connectivity required significant investment.

The minister added that the Federal Government must encourage the private sector to continue to make such investment.

Mittal, on his part, said Nigeria was the soul of Barthi Airtel’s operations in Africa, with the potential to match India’s advancements in digital innovation, connectivity and financial inclusion.

He said Airtel’s success in Nigeria was crucial to its overall success in Africa.

Mittal said Nigeria’s strategic importance underscored Airtel’s objective of driving growth and transformation across the African continent.

“Nigeria is the most important part of our Africa strategy.

” In fact, the entire Africa rests on the back of Nigeria for Airtel,” he said. (NAN)

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, on Thursday in Abuja.

Akinboyewa confirmed that the unfortunate incident resulted in injuries to several individuals, who were currently receiving medical care at the 461 NAF Hospital.

He added that the NAF had reached out to the family of the deceased and assured them of a thorough investigation and justice.

He emphasised that the NAF remained a disciplined and professional force, committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct in all its engagements.

“A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident is already underway.

“Any personnel found culpable will face the full weight of the law in line with our commitment to justice and accountability,” Akinboyewa stated.

He urged the public to remain calm as the NAF works diligently to ascertain the facts and take appropriate action.

Akinboyewa reassured the public that the NAF remained steadfast in its duty to protect and serve the Nigerian people while maintaining the trust and confidence of host communities.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Okoye said in a strong display of professionalism, operatives of the command rejected a N1m bribe to ensure justice prevailed in one of the operations.

“On Feb. 21, operatives of the Safer Highway Unit, while conducting a robust stop-and-search on the Owerri – Aba Express Road, apprehended one Eze Chika, 45.

“The suspect was found with a stolen four-year-old child.

“Initially, she claimed the child was hers but later admitted to purchasing the child from a suspected child trafficking syndicate in Aba for N1.8m,” Okoye stated.

According to him, in a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the suspect offered the officers N1m bribe, which was outrightly rejected.

He said the officers proceeded with the lawful arrest and ensured the safe rescue of the child.

He added that further investigations revealed possible links to a larger trafficking network, adding that more arrests are expected.

Okoye also said detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) arrested a 32-year-old woman, Confidence Odo for allegedly abducting her ex-neighbor’s son.

He said investigations revealed that Odoh, who was arrested on Feb. 4, stole the child while he was playing in the compound where he resides.

“The child was rescued and reunited with his parents, Mr and Mrs Michael Ududiri, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend possible accomplices.”

He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating child trafficking and other organised crimes in the state.

The police spokesman urged residents, particularly parents, to be vigilant and monitor their children closely.

He urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station or call any of the following numbers: 0803 477 3600 and 08148024755. (NAN)