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NLC Halts Protest As Subscribers Embrace 35% Tariff Increase

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  The Nigeria Labour Congress has shelved its planned protest scheduled for March 1, 2025, after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government on a 35 per cent increase in telecom tariffs, The PUNCH reports. NLC’s decision was welcomed by the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers on Thursday, as the group called for better relief measures for telcos. On January 20, 2025, the Nigerian Communications Commission announced a 50 per cent hike in telecommunications tariffs—the first major adjustment in over a decade. Telecom operators, grappling with rising operational costs due to inflation and currency depreciation, had initially proposed a 100 per cent increase before the government intervened. Multiple insider sources at the NLC informed The PUNCH on Thursday that negotiations between the union and the Federal Government resulted in a compromise, lowering the initially proposed 50 per cent increase to 35 per cent. A 10-member committee was formed to deliberate and finalise the agreement. An impeccable source with the labour union said, “Have you not heard that an agreement has been reached between the NLC and the FG? The 50 per cent hike in telecom tariff has been reduced to 35 per cent as agreed by the 10-man committee.” When asked if this means the protest scheduled for March 1 would be shelved, the source replied, “That should be obvious.” In a previous interview with The PUNCH, the Chairperson of the Lagos State chapter of the NLC, Funmi Sessi, condemned the Federal Government’s decision to approve a 35 per cent increase, calling it an unfair burden on already struggling Nigerians. “How can the Federal Government be the one determining prices? This is an anomaly,” she argued. Sessi said any tariff adjustment should be gradual and not exceed 15 per cent, given the current economic hardship. Meanwhile, the NLC Public Relations Officer, Upah Benson, told The PUNCH that there would be a National Executive Council meeting of the union today (Friday) to deliberate further on the matter. NATCOMS welcomes reduction The President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, has welcomed the reported reduction of the proposed 50 per cent telecom tariff hike to 35 per cent but called for more relief measures to ease the burden on consumers. Speaking in response to reports of the tariff adjustment, Ogunbanjo said NATCOMS was not invited to be part of the committee that reviewed the rates. “I believe it is 35 per cent, but this is based on what I heard from sources,” Ogunbanjo told The PUNCH. “That information has been out there since Monday.” He described the 15 per cent reduction as a result of consumer advocacy but urged telecom operators to consider further reductions to cushion the impact on subscribers. “We fought, and at least a 15 per cent reduction is something,” he said. The Nigerian Communications Commission, which regulates the telecom sector, and industry groups, including the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, did not respond to requests for comment. Punch

Fuel Importers Face N75bn Monthly Loss After Dangote Price Cut

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  Importers of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) may lose an average of N2.5bn daily and N75bn monthly following the latest PMS price reduction announced by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Findings by The Punch revealed that the average landing cost of petrol as released by industry players is over N100 higher than the new ex-depot price of petrol at the Dangote refinery. The Dangote refinery announced a reduction in the ex-depot (gantry) price of petrol by N65, from N890 to N825 per litre, effective from Wednesday, February 27. This was the second price reduction in the new year, and the third one in a space of two months. It disclosed that Nigerians will now buy at new prices from its partners nationwide, including MRS, Heyden, and Ardova. “Nigerians will be able to purchase the high-quality Dangote petrol at the following prices in all our partners’ retail outlets. For MRS Holdings stations, it will sell for N860 per litre in Lagos, N870 per litre in the South-West, N880 per litre in the North, and N890 per litre in the South-South and South-East, respectively. “The same product will also be available at the following prices in Ardova Petroleum and Heyden stations: N865 per litre in Lagos, N875 per litre in the South-West, N885 per litre in the North, and N895 per litre in the South-South and South-East,” the company said. The PUNCH reports that the new Dangote price came to marketers at a huge cost as they may be forced to sell petrol far below their costs. According to the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, the landing cost of petrol as of last week was N927 per litre. This is N102 above the N825 ex-depot price of PMS at the Dangote refinery. Recently, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority said Nigeria’s daily PMS consumption was around 50 million litres per day. The NMDPRA said more than half of the 50 million litres are being sourced from foreign countries because local refineries cannot supply up to 50 per cent of it. “Following Mr President’s withdrawal of subsidy, the announcement of May 29, 2023, we immediately saw a steep decline in consumption. And between then and as we speak, we have continued to do plus or minus 50 million litres a day. Of these 50 million litres averaging for each day, less than 50 per cent of that is contributed by domestic refineries. And so the shortfall by the PIA is sourced by way of imports. “For clarity, what I am saying is that the contribution of local refineries towards sufficiency is less than 50 per cent,” the Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Farouq Ahmed, declared. From the regulator’s claims, it could be deduced that importers and depot owners import about 25 million litres of PMS per day. Assuming the 25 million litres of PMS arrive in Nigeria at N927 per litre, this will amount to approximately N23.18bn. With this new price, the Dangote refinery would have sold the same quantity of PMS at N20.63bn, leaving a difference of N2.5bn daily. Fuel importers, who spoke with our correspondent after Dangote announced the price cut, said dealers might be compelled to sell below their cost prices as consumers would only buy from where petrol is cheaper. According to some of them, the Dangote refinery is gradually making importation less attractive with how it has dropped the prices of petrol and diesel lately. The importers said they have been managing to sell the imported products with little or no margin due to the need to compete with others in the market. “Some of us who have imported PMS are feeling the heat of Dangote’s decision to slash prices. Though it is a good thing to reduce petrol price, it is taking a toll on our business. That’s the simple truth,” a dealer who spoke to our correspondent in confidence due to the nature of the matter, stated. Another retailer noted that the Dangote refinery is reducing prices to discourage fuel importation, saying many will have to stop bringing in petroleum products from other countries. “Dangote understands the competition in the business and this latest reduction will further discourage fuel imports. There will be losses as we may have to drop our prices too. At the end of the day, some of us will source our products locally. I will just advise Dangote to create a level playing field for all,” the retailer stated. In a situation where the dealers are compelled by the current reality to sell PMS at N825 to marketers and retail outlet owners, they will lose an average of N2.5bn per day. This will amount to N76.5bn in a month and N918bn if this continues in a year. The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, confirmed that importers may incur losses as a result of the new price reduction. Ukadike maintained that the price reduction would affect importers, stressing that Dangote was maximising the advantages of deregulation. “Dangote may ‘kill’ fuel importers by this continued lowering of prices. All those importers who have challenged Dangote that they want to import cheaper fuel, as they’re just nearing the sea shore, Dangote will reduce the price and they will run into trouble,” Ukadike stated in his personal opinion. Marketers lament The National Vice President of IPMAN, Hammed Fashola, said that although the marketers are happy with the new prices, the cut affects their business. According to him, both importers and filling stations with old stocks will count losses following the price reduction. “As independent marketers, we are happy that the Dangote refinery has brought down the price again. It is good for us. It is good for the business. It reduces financial burden. At least we have enough room to play now. But it comes with a cost. The sudden price changes come with a cost. “Some of us just bought products, either from MRS or other sources, and all of a sudden, the price … Read more

Suspend Dstv Price Hike, Govt Orders MultiChoice

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  The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has directed MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, to suspend its planned subscription price hike pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into the company’s proposed tariff adjustment. The consumer watchdog disclosed the directive in a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Thursday, citing the need to protect consumers from potential exploitation during the review process. The commission’s order follows MultiChoice’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the regulator over mounting concerns about the company’s recurrent price increases. Earlier, the FCCPC had summoned MultiChoice’s Chief Executive Officer to appear before it on February 27 for an investigative hearing. However, following the company’s request, the commission rescheduled the hearing to March 6, 2025, mandating the attendance of the CEO and relevant officers and the submission of a comprehensive response. “As part of this directive, MultiChoice is expressly instructed to maintain the existing price structure as of February 27, 2025, pending the commission’s review and final determination on the matter,” the statement read. The FCCPC underscored that the price freeze is a precautionary measure to safeguard consumers against arbitrary pricing adjustments while the inquiry is ongoing. MultiChoice had earlier informed customers of the impending price review, set to take effect on March 1, 2025, attributing the adjustment to the rising costs of delivering premium content. According to the notice titled “Price Adjustments for DStv and GOtv Packages,” the company stated: “Dear Customer, please note that effective March 1, 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages. This is to enable us to continue offering our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology.” While the Compact Plus and Premium bouquets will remain at N30,000 and N44,500, respectively, the DStv Compact package is among the subscriptions expected to be affected by the price increase. The FCCPC said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses. Punch

Suspected Herders Kill Two In Edo

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  Suspected herdsmen on Thursday killed two farmers, identified as Lucky Salami and Julius Arewa, in Eware Village, Etsako West Local Government Area, using machetes. A third victim, identified as Omokhagbon Abu, popularly known as Udugboya, is said to be battling for his life at an undisclosed hospital. This fresh attack comes less than three days after Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, called for enhanced security measures following similar killings in Okpekpe, Etsako East, and Ivbiaro, Owan East. In those incidents, suspected criminal Fulani herdsmen hacked three people to death in a similar manner. The Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area, Marvelous Zibiri, confirmed the attack, stating that it occurred in Eware Village, Ward 8 Anwain. He added that the assailants were suspected herdsmen. A statement by his Press Secretary, Iyamah Nurudeen, quoted Zibiri as saying, “This dastardly and heinous act has not only claimed the innocent lives of two persons but has also left another victim hospitalised, instilling fear and unrest in the peaceful community of Eware and its environs.” “The incident is a barbaric and unacceptable act that has undermined the peace and security of Etsako West Local Government Area. The local government will not tolerate any form of violence or lawlessness that threatens the lives and livelihoods of its people.” While commiserating with the families of the deceased, Zibiri urged the state government and security agencies to swiftly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. He stressed the need for increased security presence in rural communities to prevent further violence and protect farmers, whom he described as the backbone of the local economy. Zibiri also appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, urging community leaders and stakeholders to work with security agencies by providing useful information that could lead to the arrest of the culprits. Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, said he had yet to receive details of the incident from officers in the area but would provide updates once available. More details later… Punch

Oyo Govt Flags-Off Health Insurance Scheme For Primary School Pupils

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The Oyo State government has officially flagged off the enrollment of 10,000 basic school pupils into the state’s healthcare insurance scheme. The children, enrolled from 90 schools across 18 LGAs were presented their Insurance scheme ID cards on Thursday at the Ibadan Civic center, Idi-ape, Ibadan, by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal. The Deputy Governor said the enrolment was part of the Oyo state government’s effort towards ensuring its pupils are of sound minds. He said, “This scheme will ensure that our children have sound minds, while they learn in conducive environments” He applauded the partnership and collaboration between the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, OYSHIA and the Oyo state Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, in providing healthcare opportunities to public school children in the state. “This event is a collective effort in securing a brighter future of Oyo State pupils,” he said. The Deputy Governor also charged OYSHIA to double its efforts in extending the scheme to every school in the State, urging parents and guardians to key into the scheme. In her goodwill message, the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, noted that the launch of the Oyo State Public Primary School Pupils Health Insurance Scheme, will give access to affordable, quality healthcare; a fundamental right for every child. “This initiative reinforces our collective commitment to universal health coverage, ensuring that no child faces financial obstacles to accessing healthcare”, she said. “Universal health coverage is more than a healthcare goal—it’s a social and economic necessity. When children have access to healthcare, they can focus on education, grow into productive adults, break the cycle of poverty, and contribute to the success of Oyo State and Nigeria.” “This scheme exemplifies this by focusing on public primary school children, especially in hard-to-reach areas. With 90 schools already enrolled across 18 LGAs, our goal is to ensure all 33 LGAs in Oyo state are covered, leaving no child behind.” “UNICEF remains steadfast in supporting the government and communities toward universal health coverage.” The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi applauded OYSHIA and OYOSUBEB for their commitment towards healthy basic school pupils. She assured the agencies of her Ministry’s unparalleled commitment to the scheme. Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran applauded OYSHIA, pledging the Board’s commitment to the smooth take-off and sustainability of the scheme. Adeniran said, “At OYOSUBEB, we operate on the principle of taking care of the pupils under our care as though they are ours”. Dr. Adeniran added that the scheme would enable the beneficiaries to receive quality healthcare without paying exorbitantly to access it. Earlier, the Executive Secretary, OYSHIA, Dr. Olusola Akande said the new door being opened today, is focusing on providing access to healthcare for 10,000 public primary school pupils in the first instance. Dr. Akande noted that the agency will also commence an enrollment of additional 5,500 pupils into the scheme from next week. The Executive Secretary applauded UNICEF, through whose support the Agency has been able to improve on its awareness campaign and increased the communities under Community Based Health Insurance scheme by 100 percent. He equally stressed the unparalleled commitment of SUBEB chairman to the scheme. “His open door policy and unrestricted access ensured we were able to keep to our time line”, he said. The event was attended by relevant stakeholders in the health and education sectors, including the pupils.

Natasha Demands Live Broadcast Of Senate Probe For Transparency

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  The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has insisted that her probe proceedings at the Senate be broadcast live, declaring that Nigerians have a right to witness the process. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Vommittee following her face-off with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over a seating arrangement, said she was ready to face the panel but would not allow the matter to be handled behind closed doors. In a statement she posted on her Facebook page on Thursday, the lawmaker said she had so far refrained from speaking publicly on the issue and other developments in the Senate but had now decided to break her silence. She urged Nigerians to follow the proceedings closely, emphasising that she would push for full transparency. She wrote, “Good morning courageous people of Kogi Central, Kogi State and Nigeria. “Arise News, set a date and I shall be in your studio in person. Spare no questions. “And to Nigerians, please be sure to join the probe which I shall insist would be covered live. “The next few days and weeks shall be interesting but will shape the standard and quality of Nigeria’s leadership.”

I’ve Resumed As Lagos Assembly Speaker, Says Obasa

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  The ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has stated that he has resumed his position as the parliament’s leader. Obasa stated this on Thursday after returning to the assembly complex with police and State Security Service details for the first time since he was removed on January 13. “I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” Obasa told reporters on the premises of the House. Asked whether he has been reinstated as speaker, Obasa said, “I’ve never been removed. Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional but in doing that, you must follow the due process. I am not against that. If I do that, then I am not democratic.” PUNCH Online reports that Obasa, alongside security officials, had entered the Speaker’s Office around 12 noon on Thursday. The development followed the withdrawal of the security aides of the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda. The assembly has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since Obasa’s removal as speaker and the subsequent election of Meranda. Obasa was accused by over 90 per cent of the lawmakers of poor leadership style, perpetual lateness to legislative functions and plenary, high-handedness and disregard for colleague lawmakers and the executive, especially the governor, abuse of office and privileges, intimidation and oppression of members among others. In an attempt to resolve the crisis, some All Progressives Congress bigwigs, notably former governors of Osun, Ogun and Lagos states, Chief Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode, respectively, among others, on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, had a series of meetings last weekend with political stakeholders in the state including members of the assembly. The PUNCH learnt at the end of the meetings that both Obasa and Meranda might be stepping aside for another lawmaker to lead the house. A member of the Governors Advisory Council, Chief Muraina Taiwo, noted that one of the seven lawmakers from Lagos West was being considered by the party leaders as the new Speaker. Punch

JUST IN: FG To Review Electricity Tariff For Band B, C Customers

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  The Federal Government has announced plans to regularise electricity tariffs in a bid to address disparities in the current billing system as well as encourage investment in the power sector. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made this known at the ongoing public presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Nigeria Integrated Resource Plan on Thursday in Abuja. He said the government is considering this option over the slow pace of migration to Band A customers, which he attributed to the reluctance of Distribution Companies to make the necessary investments. Under the current structure, customers in Band B, who enjoy 18 to 17 hours of electricity supply, pay N63 per kilowatt-hour, while those in Band A, with only two hours more of supply, are charged N209 per kilowatt-hour. Adelabu described this as “unfair” and stressed the need for a regularisation of the tariffs to create a more balanced and equitable pricing system. The minister said, “We will look at the tariff again. I am not saying that we’re going to increase the tariff before I am misquoted. “We are going to look at it and see how we can improve upon our modest achievement of last year, not only to ensure that we grow the sector that we need but also to ensure that we can invest more in revamping all these dilapidated infrastructures.” “The migration to Band A should have been faster, but we found out that the DisCos refuse to invest. They have refused to invest in this sector. “A lot of investment is required for us to achieve an accelerated migration of lower-band customers into Band A. It is taking a lot of time.” In response to this, the government is considering restructuring the tariff bands, reducing the current wide gap between them. A new system, proposed to encompass Bands A, B, and C, would address these inequalities. “The gap between the Band A tariffs and Bands B, C, D, and E is just too wide,” he said. “We believe it’s not fair. It is not just, and we must be able to carry out some level of regularization.” According to him, the government is committed to reviewing the existing tariff structure, although he was quick to clarify that the review does not imply an imminent increase in rates. Punch  

BREAKING: Obasa Storms Lagos Assembly With Heavy Security

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  Ousted speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has stormed the assembly complex. It was learnt that Obasa was in the company of some security officials, entered the Speaker’s Office around 12 noon on Thursday. The development followed the withdrawal of the security aides of the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda. The Chief Press Secretary to Meranda, Segun Ajiboye, confirmed the latest in a short message on Thursday, accusing Obasa and his team of allegedly breaking into the office. “We’re at the assembly now,” a source in the Obasa camp also said. Details later …

Osun Crisis: Adeleke Denies Changing LG Accounts Signatories

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  The Osun State Government, on Wednesday, refuted claims that it was forcing career officers in local governments to change signatories to council accounts amid the ongoing tussle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the opposition All Progressives Congress over local government control. The Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement in Osun, Mr. Adewale Adebayo, had alleged that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration was coercing Finance Directors and Heads of Local Administration to alter council account signatories. “We reliably gathered that Adeleke’s government has started taking 30 Local Government Area Finance Directors and Heads of Local Administration to an undisclosed location forcefully. This is unconnected to the contention over who controls the local government. “The HLAs and the Directors of Finance were taken to these locations to be pressured into changing signatories of council accounts to the newly elected officials. “These individuals have been reportedly held against their will, an act that undermines the principles of democracy and the rule of law. “Despite judicial pronouncements from the Court of Appeal upholding the October 15, 2022, council election, the state government continues to act in a manner that contradicts the spirit of the verdict,” Adebayo alleged. But responding swiftly, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, dismissed the allegations as “mere speculation.” “This is just an attempt to say something because the Commissioner for Local Government has confirmed that he never gave such a directive. They have made themselves look foolish in the eyes of the public, so they want to create a false narrative. “We have never changed any local government account signatories. They should remain troubled. APM is just crying more than the bereaved,” Alimi stated. Meanwhile, the APC in Osun has urged local government workers to return to their duty posts, insisting that they should remain neutral in the political tussle over council control. Jamiu Olawumi, a former Special Adviser on Education under ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, who has been speaking for the party, emphasised that the reinstated local government chairmen had already given workers a 72-hour ultimatum to resume work. The Osun chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, however, rejected the ultimatum, with Chairman Christopher Arapasopo stating that workers would only return when their security was guaranteed. Olawumi, however, insisted that workers were expected at their duty posts from Thursday, adding that chairmen and councillors were already running the councils without them. “It is quite unfortunate that they (workers) are becoming partisan. They need to understand that they are not employed by the state government but by individual local governments. That is why they have Heads of Local Government Administration. “We encourage them to eschew partisanship and focus on their work. The ultimatum lapses today (Wednesday), and we expect them to resume tomorrow (Thursday). If they don’t, we will continue persuading them to see reasons why they must not be partisan. We are running, and we are running,” Olawumi said. Efforts to reach NLC Chairman, Arapasopo for comment were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone did not go through, and he had yet to respond to text messages as of press time. Amid the crisis, an Osun-based civil society group, “The Osun Masterminds,” has called on all parties to return to court to resolve the dispute. Speaking in Osogbo, the Executive Director of the group, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, urged an end to inflammatory remarks that could worsen tensions. *”All parties must immediately return to the relevant courts to clarify the subsisting judgments so that the current issues can be amicably resolved. “Once clarified, all parties must respect the decision of the courts and lay the matter to rest once and for all. “As we approach the 2026 Osun gubernatorial election, all parties must demonstrate their commitment to peace and security. If this crisis escalates into next year, it could destabilize our once peaceful Osun State. “Local government staff must remain non-partisan and adhere to the rule of law to avoid becoming political tools in the hands of any party,”Oyedokun-Alli stated. Punch

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