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NCC To Meet Telecom Consumer Groups On Thursday Over Tariff Hike

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  The Nigerian Communications Commission, the country’s telecommunication regulator has scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja for Thursday to discuss the proposed 100 per cent tariff hike in the telecom sector. The meeting will bring together representatives from major consumer advocacy groups and other relevant industry stakeholders to deliberate on the implications of the price increase. President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogungbanjo, who has been a major critic of the proposal, confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Wednesday. “I had mentioned earlier that there is a need for the NCC to discuss and iron out the issue. But Yesterday, I was invited to the meeting and it will be held on Thursday in Abuja at 2 pm,” Ogungbanjo stated. Telcos have submitted a proposal to the regulator, requesting a 100 per cent hike in telecom tariffs. The proposal is currently awaiting the final nod from the NCC, which has yet to decide on the matter. The operators, a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy argued that this hike is necessary to offset rising operational costs, including increasing fuel prices and the depreciation of the naira. The proposal has sparked concern among consumer rights groups, including the NATCOMS, which fear that such an increase could further strain Nigeria’s already financially burdened population. The President of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, Sola Ajulo, further confirmed the scheduled meeting during an appearance on Arise TV on Wednesday. Ajulo emphasised that the discussions are critical for shaping the future of telecom pricing in the country. “It’s crucial that all stakeholders are present and agree on the terms, as this will determine whether the government will approve a price increase and under what conditions,” she stated. Ajulo noted that a price increase may be inevitable, given the economic challenges facing the sector. However, she stressed that it is essential to ensure that the terms of any increase are measured and conducive to the welfare of consumers, especially in light of Nigeria’s current economic difficulties. “A 100 per cent or even a 40 per cent increase may be too steep. Easing the tariff increase with measurable conditions could be a more reasonable solution,” Ajulo suggested. The PUNCH reported earlier that mobile operators have agreed to channel the revenue from the proposed 100 percent tariff increase into major upgrades in network infrastructure and service quality. This is a major condition for the telcos as they await final approval for the tariff hike, following discussions with the government and the NCC. As part of the agreement, the country’s telecom regulator will oversee the implementation of these investments to ensure that telecom companies comply with the requirements.

Ganduje Criticizes Obi As APC spokesperson Receives 200 Death Threats.

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  The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje on Wednesday threw his weight behind the embattled National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka. Ganduje also described claims attributed to the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, as misleading, an act he said incited his online supporters to troll Morka. He disclosed this in a statement personally signed by him in Abuja. His clarification comes a few hours after the APC spokesman claimed that he and his family received 200 death threats over his inflammatory remarks from pro-Obi supporters. Morka alleged that the threats were triggered by Obi’s accusation that his remarks during a Sunday interview on Arise Television constituted a threat to the Labour Party candidate’s life. Morka’s earlier interview on Sunday sparked an outrage after he accused Obi of “crossing the line” in his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that Obi “deserved whatever came his way.” His inflammatory remarks prompted Obi to tweet, asking Nigerians if he had truly crossed the line by attempting to the Tinubu’s administration accountable to the people. Morka, on Wednesday, claimed that Obi’s supporters were after him, allegedly sending 400 threats, including 200 death threats. Morka said, “Peter Obi’s allegations that my words in that interview threatened his life have triggered serious consequences. “As of now, I have documented 400 threats, about 200 of which are explicit death threats. These are written threats that I will be submitting to law enforcement agencies. “In these messages, individuals have detailed how they plan to harm me—threatening to shoot me, behead me, and carry out other gruesome acts. This is not mere rhetoric. It has even extended to direct threats against some members of my family. These are explicit and graphic threats, not vague insinuations. “This entire situation is baseless and cannot be attributed to me. I did not threaten Peter Obi in any way. Those issuing these threats are acting on their own, but I trust that law enforcement will respond swiftly to bring them to justice.” Ganduje, throwing his weight behind Morka on Wednesday, accused Obi of inciting an online mob against the ruling party. Ganduje said, “By falsely claiming that Morka threatened his life, Mr Obi has libelled him in the extreme and incited his online supporters to issue death threats against Morka and his family. “Morka’s comments during the interview were strictly in response to a question referencing ‘prophets of doom’ and ‘voodoo economics.’ Nothing in his statement constituted or suggested a threat to Obi or anyone else. “Does Mr Obi expect the APC to fold its arms and allow the opposition to propagate falsehoods without any response?” Ganduje queried. Ganduje maintained that the APC would continue to counter baseless allegations with facts against the Tinubu-led administration. Punch

OneDead, Several Injured In Ibadan, As Granite Laden-Truck Lost Control

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  IBADAN – A truck fully loaded with granite has on Wednesday claimed lives of some suspected road side traders at Eleyele Junction of Ibadan Metroplis. The devastated accident claimed lives of unconfirmed number of lives believed to be road side traders that used to displayed their wares and petty markets at the Eleyele bus stop, while many were seriously injured. The development according to an eyewitness said a truck loaded with granite lost control and crashed into a nearby park garage. The eyewitness accounts stated that the truck, coming from the opposite direction, initially struck a group of roadside traders before barreling into the garage, where it struck waiting passengers, leaving many injured. An anonymous eyewitness described the chaotic scene, emphasising the devastation and panic that ensued. The driver of the truck fled the scene in an attempt to avoid being mobbed by onlookers, further complicating the aftermath of the tragedy. Rescue operations are currently ongoing, and authorities have stated that the exact number of casualties remains unknown as they work to clear the wreckage. Emergency responders are focused on removing the truck to prevent additional accidents and to restore normal traffic flow in the area. In a telephone interview, Rosemary Alo, the Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, confirmed the tragic incident. She stated that the roadside traders had previously been warned about the dangers of conducting business in the area. “If they had heeded these warnings, we could have potentially reduced the number of casualties,” she remarked. Alo also indicated that efforts would be intensified in collaboration with the local government chairman to enforce a ban on street trading in the vicinity, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Breach Of Peace – Five Ogun Chiefs Bag Six months jail Term

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  A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, on Wednesday, sentenced five Egba chiefs to six months imprisonment for maliciously damaging the sealed letter and removing the caution tape pasted by the Abeokuta South Local Government on the Ogboni Igbore house. The court, however, gave the chiefs option of a N50,000 fine. The five Igbore chiefs are Anthony Ogunseye (55), the Apena of Igbore, Ajasa Enisemo (67); Saheed Sanusi (50); Oludotun Oliyide (60); and Fatai Mutairu (63). They were convicted on a four-count charge of conspiracy, malicious damage, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and stealing contrary to sections 451, 516, 249(d) and 383 of the criminal code, Vol II, laws of Ogun 2006. Delivering the judgement, the presiding magistrate, Mrs. E.O. Ogunyemi, said, “The prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused are guilty as charged.” Ogunyemi added, “The evidence presented by the prosecutor is tenable, and I therefore sentence each of the chiefs to six months, with an option of a N50,000 fine each.” Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Olaide Rawlings told the court that the five defendants committed the offence on March 21, 2023, at about 12:15 pm at the Ogboni House in the Igbore area. Rawlings said the chiefs conspired among themselves to maliciously damage the sealed letter of the Abeokuta South local government that was pasted on the walls, doors and windows of the Ogboni House. She explained that the Ogboni house was sealed by the local government for security reasons following the crisis which erupted over a chieftain title in the Ogboni house. Rawlings said that the chiefs conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by deliberately removing the caution tape placed on the Ogboni house. “They also stole two billboards that were fixed on the two doors of the Ogboni Ignore house by the local government,” she said The prosecutor, however, said the offence committed contravened sections 451, 516,249(d) and 383 of the criminal code, Vol II laws of Ogun 2006. Punch

Insecurity: S/West Govs Must Remain Alert – Iba Gani Adams

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  Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has called on governors in the six southwest states to be vigilant and to put in place proper structures in securing the region. Iba Adams, who made the call following the alarm raised by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state on the influx of bandits fleeing the military operations in the northwest, said the alarm raised by Oyo governor was real and needs urgent attention. Governor Makinde raised the alarm on Monday, during the 2025 annual inter- faith service in Ibadan, Oyo State. In a statement made available to the media by his Special Assistant on Media,Mr.Kehinde Aderemi, Iba Gani Adams, urged the South West governors not to ignore the alarm raised by the Oyo State governor, insisting that insecurity has been a major issue in the country,with the South West region becoming a new target for bandits and kidnappers. The Yoruba generalissimo stated further that he had raised similar alarm in the past, requesting the governors in the South West region to allow him work with the states security architectures in order to get rid of bandits and kidnappers across the region. “The alarm raised by governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State was a wake- up call for all the governors in the South West.I raised similar alarm last year and nothing was done and it is sad that up to the present time nothing has really changed, except that insecurity is increasing by the day. “South West Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) including the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria,(VGN), Professional Hunters, Vigilante Jahun, Agbekoya Peace Movement, Agbekoya Solidarity Movement, COMSAIC, Isokan Ile Oodua, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye,Omo Oduduwa United,and a few others under my leadership have been doing their very best in ensuring that the South West region is safe. “But now that governor Makinde had raised the alarm,there is need for urgent approach in order to address the situation before it gets out of hand. “Oyo State is the political capital of the South West region and anything that happened in the state,no doubt, has direct effect on the entire region. “So,I urge all the governors in the South West to be vigilant and do the needful by address the security situation in their respective states before it is too late. Iba Adams,while restating the need for regional autonomy and state police warned that the SSSG will not allow bandits and kidnappers turned the South West to their footholds. “We will resist any attempt to turn Yoruba land into bandits and kidnappers’ foothold,”Iba Adams said. Independent NG

Lagos Shuts 619 Facilities Over Environmental Violation

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  THE Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, has sealed at least 619 facilities, including Mosques, Churches, hotels, among others for various environmental infractions in 2024. General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, disclosed this during a media interactive session in Ikeja, Lagos. Ajayi revealed that noise pollution accounted for 528 of the closures as the agency intensified its enforcement of environmental laws. He said: “These operations are targeted households, hotels, and worship centres under the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.” While he noted significant achievements by the agency in 2024, Ajayi said the agency would double its advocacy for environmental consciousness in 2025 while focusing on stricter enforcement of existing laws. He disclosed plans to intensify action against noise pollution, enforce anti-smoking regulations by designating smoking and non-smoking zones, and advocate proper waste management through authorised disposal bodies. He explained that public complaints would be handled more effectively through an expanded complaints centre and digital channels, while academic publications and public awareness campaigns would also be increased. Vanguard

Abia Police Disband Anti-Cultism Unit Due To Misconduct

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  Abia State Police Command said it has disbanded its Anti-Cultism Unit over unprofessional conduct. This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka. Chinaka also announced the demotion of a corporal to constable. The statement read, “The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, in alignment with the vision of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), to establish a professionally competent, service-driven, rule-of-law-compliant, and people-friendly police force, has disbanded the command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for unprofessional conduct and incivility towards members of the public. “Additionally, F/No: 527324 Corporal Okonkwo Ebuka, attached to Area Command, Aba, but on special duty at Isuochi was demoted from Corporal to Constable. “This decision followed the conclusion of an administrative action in which he was tried in an orderly room and found guilty for discreditable and unprofessional conduct and incivility to members of the public.” The statement further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police emphasised the command’s zero-tolerance policy for any form of unprofessional conduct among officers that could tarnish the good image of the Force. “Members of the public are also encouraged to report any unprofessional conduct by officers to the Complaint Response Unit Abia Command via 09031593827,” the statement added.

Nigerians Don’t Want A One-party State, Says Makinde

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  Nigerians don’t want a one-party state. They want alternatives. They want to be able to kick people out if they are not delivering on their promises. “So, there is commitment to ensure that Nigeria does not slide into a one-party state.” Speaking earlier on behalf of the NWC members, the new National Secretary of the PDP, Udeh-Okoye, commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State on the unfortunate stampede that resulted in death. He said, “we commiserate with Oyo State people through the governor and our wonderful leader. “We also want to appeal to the family that lost their loved ones to bear it, having it in mind that it was the will of God that they should go through that channel. “We also want to say that, we in the PDP, we are one. And when one cries, the other one also joins. And Oyo State being a PDP state, we are mourning with the state and we commiserate with the affected families and Oyo State at large. “As the new Secretary, I am bringing unity and cohesion on board. I am going to make sure that from this year onward, the party would function effectively well as the leading opposition party in Nigeria. “And by the grace of God, by 2027, we will take over Nigeria and give Nigerians the good governance they desire. “I know that Nigerians are waiting for us. Very soon, you will see the majority of them, including members of the ruling party coming back to the PDP.” The NWC members in attendance include Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy National Chairman; ⁠Hon. Mrs Amina Bryhm, National Women Leader; Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN, National Legal Adviser; Hon. Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary. Also in attendance were Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, National Treasurer; Obi Okechukwu, National Auditor; Hon. Barr. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary; Dr Woyengikuro Daniel, National Financial Secretary; Dr. Bovoa Emmanuel, National Vice Chairman PDP North-East and High Chief Ali Odefa, National Vice Chairman PDP South-East.

Ghana President’s ADC Collapses In Parliament

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  A dramatic moment unfolded on the floor of the Ghanaian Parliament on Friday when Colonel Isaac Amponsah, the Aide-de-Camp to President Nana Akufo-Addo, collapsed during the President’s final State of the Nation address. The incident occurred shortly after the President began his speech, highlighting his administration’s achievements in the last eight years. In a viral video seen by our correspondent, Amponsah was standing guard in the chamber when he suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed. The video also showed members of the parliament’s medical team rushing to provide immediate assistance. After receiving first aid, Amponsah was transported to a nearby medical facility for further evaluation. Visibly alarmed by the situation, Akufo-Addo paused his address briefly to ensure his ADC received urgent care before resuming his speech. The aide-de-camp of the Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, immediately took over to stand behind the President. The cause of Amponsah’s collapse and condition remain undisclosed as of the time of filing this report.

Telecos Seeks 100% Tariff Increase, Awaiting NCC Approval.

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  Nigerian telecommunications companies have proposed a 100 per cent increase in their tariffs, pending approval from the government. The proposal, which has been submitted to the Nigerian Communications Commission, aims to address rising operational costs, including inflation and increased service delivery expenses. The disclosure was made by the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday. However, the CEO expressed that it remains uncertain whether the Nigerian Communications Commission—the telecom regulator, will approve the proposal. According to Toriola, the proposed tariff hike is necessary for the sustainability of the industry, which has been facing significant financial pressures due to rising operational costs. “We’ve put forward requests of approximately 100 per cent tariff increases to regulators. I doubt they’re going to approve that quantum of increases because they are very, very sensitive to the current economic situation in the country,” Toriola said. Despite the challenges, Toriola expressed optimism that regulators would make the right decision, taking into account the realities of the sector. The CEO emphasised that the focus is on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry, rather than short-term profitability. “I believe we’re all on the same side, the policymakers, the regulators, our Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, and the industry. We’re united because we share concerns about a few fundamental issues. First, human rights, are critical to driving any economy. Without a sustainable industry, the broader economy and the well-being of the people will be negatively impacted.” The proposal comes amid rising costs for telecom companies, driven by factors such as inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and the increasing price of key operational inputs like diesel, power generation, and raw materials. Toriola highlighted the pressure these rising costs have put on telecom businesses, making it difficult for many companies to maintain profitable operations. Earlier this week, operators issued a statement warning that service disruptions are imminent unless tariffs are adjusted to account for escalating operational costs. The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo described the telecom sector as “under siege,” citing soaring operational costs driven by inflation, volatile exchange rates, and rising energy prices. He noted that despite these challenges, tariffs have remained unchanged, leaving operators struggling to maintain quality service and expand their networks. The telcom chief warned that without an immediate tariff adjustment, operators may resort to service shedding, leading to limited availability of telecom services in certain areas. The first call for a tariff adjustment was made in April 2024, but no significant progress has been achieved. In response to the growing financial strain, ALTON and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria issued a joint statement urging the Federal Government to facilitate a constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders. The associations emphasised the need for a framework that balances consumer affordability with operators’ financial sustainability, following 11 years of tariff stability. With a shared commitment to preserving the sector’s future, operators are calling on all stakeholders to act before it’s too late, warning that failure to do so will risk the survival of one of Nigeria’s most critical industries. Punch

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