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NLC rejects 50% telecom tariff hike, threatens nationwide action

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the federal government and telecommunications companies for approving a 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs, labeling it an attack on Nigerians’ welfare amid the soaring cost of living,Daily Trust reports.

Speaking at Labour House in Abuja on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the tariff increase as prioritizing corporate profits over citizens’ well-being. While acknowledging the challenges of inflation, he rejected the approved rate, calling for an immediate halt to its implementation.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress unequivocally condemns the Federal Government’s recent approval, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), of a 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs,” Ajaero said. “This decision, made during a time of unprecedented economic hardship, is an assault on the welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens, leaving them at the mercy of corporate profiteers.”

ALSO READ: Shettima sure Boko Haram would be conquered

Ajaero also criticized the National Assembly for failing to represent Nigerians’ interests in critical policy decisions. He noted the lack of dialogue with key stakeholders before announcing the tariff hike and questioned the government’s priorities.

“Telecommunication services are essential for communication, work, and access to information,” Ajaero stated. “Yet, an average Nigerian worker, earning the ₦70,000 minimum wage, already spends about 10% of their income on telecom charges. This tariff hike would increase their monthly telecom expense from ₦7,000 to ₦10,500—15% of their salary—an unsustainable burden.”

He highlighted the government’s swift approval of the telecom tariff hike compared to its sluggish response in implementing a long-overdue minimum wage increase, underscoring a perceived bias toward corporate interests over public welfare.

“When will the government prioritize the people it swore to protect? When will the National Assembly hold the executive accountable for policies that undermine the majority’s welfare? When will the common Nigerian find relief?” Ajaero asked.

The NLC called for the immediate suspension of the tariff hike and demanded a broader dialogue involving all stakeholders to agree on a more reasonable adjustment, if necessary.

“We are not opposed to a tariff review, but a 50% increase is excessive and unjustifiable,” Ajaero emphasized. “If dialogue proves the need for a hike, it must be a humane increase—not this punitive measure.”

Ajaero warned of potential mass action, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to force the reversal of the tariff increase.

“The NLC urges Nigerian workers and citizens to reject this unjustifiable hike,” he declared. “Prepare for collective action, including a nationwide telecom boycott, to demand a reversal. This is about our dignity, rights, and survival as a people.”

He reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to defending Nigerians against policies that deepen poverty and inequality. “We will not allow policies that entrench hardship to go unchallenged. Together, we will resist this injustice and push for a government that places citizens’ welfare above corporate interests,” Ajaero concluded.

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Shettima sure Boko Haram would be conquered

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Hama Media
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Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima has expressed confidence that Boko Haram will ultimately fail in its campaign against the Federal Government.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Tuesday during a press briefing about the abduction of 234 students from Government Girls Secondary School (GGSC) in Chibok, Governor Shettima described the incident as a divine trial.

“We will overcome it soon,” he said, extending his condolences to the parents of the abducted girls. “Our hearts go out to them because this tragedy affects us all.”

The governor expressed hope that the girls would soon be rescued, noting the intense efforts of security agencies to ensure their release. “We are going to survive and rebuild our lives because truth will always triumph over falsehood,” he added.

ALSO READ: DSS files terrorism charges against Mahdi Shehu

Shettima criticized Boko Haram’s ideology as being rooted in falsehood and unsustainable in the long run. “The abduction of these innocent girls is a trial from God, and we will overcome it soon,” he reiterated.

Despite the declaration of a state of emergency in May 2013 by President Goodluck Jonathan in three northeastern states plagued by Boko Haram attacks, violence has persisted. On April 14, 2014, a car bomb with an estimated 500-800 pounds of explosives detonated at Nyanya District bus station in Abuja, killing 79 people and injuring 180 others.

Two days after the Nyanya bombing, gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram militants attacked Wala Village, about 130 kilometers southwest of Maiduguri. The assault claimed 18 lives and left many others injured, further highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.

DSS files terrorism charges against Mahdi Shehu

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Hama Media
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The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed five terrorism-related charges against Kaduna-based activist and social critic Mahdi Shehu over his recent online and offline activities,Daily Trust reports.

The charges were submitted at the Federal High Court in Kaduna last Friday, just two days after Shehu was re-arrested by plainclothes operatives at his clinic in Unguwar Dosa.

According to Daily Trust, the activist was previously arrested in December 2024 and arraigned for sharing a misleading video on his social media platform. The DSS alleged that Shehu distributed “doctored videos claiming the Nigerian government had permitted France to establish a military base in the North.” He was later granted bail by the Kaduna State High Court on January 9, 2025, on conditions that included a ₦3 million bond and two prominent clerics as sureties.

ALSO READ: Gov Sani Reinstates Piriga Chiefdom Monarch Sacked By el-Rufai

The DSS’s new legal action follows a motion ex parte filed at the same court seeking an order to detain Shehu for 60 days. An operative, speaking anonymously, stated that the motion was based on Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the order, allowing the DSS to hold Shehu for 60 days to complete their investigations.

The charges against Shehu include:

  • False publication intended to incite public alarm, contrary to Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act.
  • Dissemination of terrorism-related false information, contrary to Section 26(2)(a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
  • Intentional dissemination of false information, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).
  • False allegation of treasonable acts, contrary to Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act.
  • Using social media to support false claims of a national security threat, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

The DSS claims these actions violate multiple national laws and pose significant security concerns.

Gov Sani Reinstates Piriga Chiefdom Monarch Sacked By el-Rufai

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Hama Media
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Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has reinstated His Highness, Mr. Jonathan Paragua Zamuna, as the Chief of Piriga Chiefdom in Lere Local Government Area, following a ruling by the National Industrial Court,leadership reports.

During a ceremony at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna on Wednesday, Governor Sani presented Mr. Zamuna with his appointment letter. The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, due process, and justice.

The reinstatement follows a National Industrial Court ruling on June 14, 2024, which nullified the removal and deposition of Chief Jonathan Zamuna by former Governor Nasir el-Rufai. The court declared the action “null and void” and ordered the restoration of Mr. Zamuna to his position, along with all associated salaries, allowances, and benefits.

ALSO READ: Court denies el-Rufai’s ex-commissioner bail in ‘money laundering’ trial

Governor Sani congratulated the reinstated monarch and urged him to lead his people with fairness and without bias, ensuring equal treatment for all, regardless of ethnicity or religion.

In his response, Chief Zamuna expressed gratitude to Governor Sani for his reinstatement. He noted that the Piriga Chiefdom comprises 12 ethnic groups living in harmony and pledged to continue fostering peace among his people.

Court denies el-Rufai’s ex-commissioner bail in ‘money laundering’ trial

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Hama Media
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The Kaduna State High Court has declined to hear the bail application of Mohammed Bashir Sa’idu, a former commissioner in the state, who is facing trial on charges of alleged money laundering,Thecable reports.

Sa’idu was arraigned by the Kaduna State Government on Tuesday on a 10-count charge of money laundering, embezzlement, and theft. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The state government accused Sa’idu of selling $45 million in hard currency belonging to the Kaduna State Government at an undervalued rate of N410 per dollar, instead of the parallel market rate of N498 per dollar, during his tenure as commissioner for finance in 2022 under former governor Nasir el-Rufai. The transaction allegedly caused a loss of N3.96 billion to the government.

ALSO READ: Federal Gov’t Certifies Contractor Handling Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road Competent

During the proceedings, M.I. Abubakar, counsel for the former commissioner, requested bail for his client, citing his arrest on January 2, 2025, and the need to adequately prepare his defense. However, the prosecuting counsel, Nasiru Aliyu, opposed the application, arguing that the law allows the prosecution seven days to file a response to such requests.

In his ruling, Justice Isa Aliyu upheld the prosecution’s argument, granting their request for time to respond. The judge adjourned the case to January 23 for a hearing on the bail application.

Sa’idu previously served as commissioner for local government affairs, chief of staff, and commissioner for finance during the el-Rufai administration. He is also facing a similar charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

Federal Gov’t Certifies Contractor Handling Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road Competent

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Hama Media
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The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has expressed confidence in the competence of the contractor handling the re-awarded Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road project, after the contract was revoked from Julius Berger. Umahi clarified that the new contractor is Infiouest International Nigeria Limited, not InfoQuest Nigeria Limited as previously misreported by a national daily,leadership reports.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Umahi accused some contractors of deliberately delaying projects to demand higher payments when material prices increase. Addressing allegations that the project was awarded to an inactive company, he noted that sections of the road delivered by Julius Berger were already showing signs of failure.

He criticized Julius Berger for publishing misleading information following the contract termination, stating that the company had failed to resolve issues related to timelines and pricing after 14 months and over 20 meetings with the Ministry of Works. Umahi also alleged that Julius Berger was attempting to incite public discontent against the federal government.

ALSO READ: Niger Residents Scoop Oil From Another faulty Tanker Days After Explosion…

“Julius Berger lacks the necessary equipment and is living on past glory,” he said. “They claim to have completed 65% of the project, covering 750 kilometers, with N391 billion paid to them. Yet, they are demanding an additional N1.1 trillion to complete the remaining 35% without any additional work.”

Umahi defended the government’s decision to disaggregate the project after Julius Berger failed to meet the 14-month deadline for completing the remaining 240 kilometers. Sections 1 and 3 of the road were subsequently awarded under a tax credit scheme. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later directed the Ministry of Works to complete the project without the tax credit system, expanding the scope to include the Aminu Kano International Airport road and other improvements such as solar lighting.

The project, now covering 119 kilometers, was re-awarded for N252.9 billion, significantly lower than the N3.12 billion per kilometer Julius Berger had requested. “We are using reinforced concrete to ensure durability and align with the president’s vision for sustainable road infrastructure,” Umahi said.

He also criticized Julius Berger’s handling of the Bodo-Bonny Road project, accusing the company of reneging on a prior agreement and demanding an additional N80 billion for completion. Despite negotiations involving top government officials, Umahi expressed skepticism about the contractor meeting its September completion deadline.

The minister condemned contractors who delay projects to exploit inflation, noting that these tactics result in higher costs for the government and suffering for citizens due to accidents and delays. He emphasized that stricter conditions would be enforced for contractors to claim variations on pricing.

Umahi concluded by warning against public incitement by contractors, urging stakeholders to focus on delivering results. “The true measure of success lies in the quality of work delivered, not in endless debates and delays,” he said.

Niger Residents Scoop Oil From Another faulty Tanker Days After Explosion Killed 96

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Hama Media
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Two days after a tragic tanker explosion in Niger State claimed over 90 lives and left many injured, residents in another community gathered around a fallen truck,Daily Trust reports.

The new incident occurred in Bida town on Monday.

In a widely circulated online video, young people were seen crowding around the broken-down truck. While some attempted to scoop its contents, others fled, seemingly to avoid potential danger.

A local resident, Yinusa Jiya, told Premium Times, “The people weren’t even afraid, despite initially believing it was petrol.” Another eyewitness, Fatimah Mohammed, clarified that the tanker was carrying groundnut oil. “It fell near the AYM Shafa filling station on Monday, and residents collected large amounts of the oil leaking from the tanker,” she said.

ALSO READ: Meta to launch video editing app similar to Tiktok’s CapCut

This incident followed the deadly tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara LGA, Niger State, which killed about 98 people. The death toll has risen as more victims succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment, according to Daily Trust.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in response, directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify public awareness campaigns against scooping during such incidents. The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) expressed concern over the high casualty figures and severe burns suffered by victims.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) confirmed that 86 bodies were buried in a mass grave on Sunday, while several others are still being treated for first-degree burns in various hospitals. Authorities attributed the explosion to individuals trying to scoop fuel, which triggered the fire.

Niger State has faced repeated tragedies of this nature. On September 8, 2024, over 50 travelers died in a midnight tanker explosion along the Agaie-Badeggi road.

Meta to launch video editing app similar to Tiktok’s CapCut

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Hama Media
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Meta is preparing to launch a new video editing app called “Edits”, designed as an all-in-one tool for creators,Thecable reports.

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, announced the upcoming app on Threads on Sunday. “Today we’re announcing a new app called Edits for those of you passionate about creating videos on your phone,” he wrote. “There’s a lot happening right now, but it’s our job to provide creators with the best tools possible.”

In a follow-up post, Mosseri highlighted the app’s features, including a high-quality camera, advanced editing tools, and detailed Instagram performance analytics.

Edits is currently available for preorder on the iOS App Store and is scheduled for full release in February. An Android version is expected to follow shortly after.

ALSO READ: NCC finally approves tariff raise for Glo, MTN, others

The announcement comes as TikTok resumes operations in the U.S. following a temporary ban over national security concerns. TikTok’s affiliated editing app, CapCut, which was also temporarily removed from app stores, has been restored. The reversal follows a pledge by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to delay enforcing the ban through an executive order on his first day in office.

Meta has a track record of responding swiftly to market trends. In 2020, the company launched Instagram Reels following TikTok’s ban in India. In 2023, Meta also introduced a microblogging platform to rival X (formerly Twitter).

The launch of Edits reflects Meta’s continued efforts to empower creators with cutting-edge tools while adapting to shifts in the digital landscape.

NCC finally approves tariff raise for Glo, MTN, others

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Hama Media
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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a request by telecommunications companies to increase tariffs,Daily Trust reports.

Reuben Mouka, NCC spokesperson, stated that the decision was made under the Commission’s authority, as outlined in Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA), which empowers it to regulate and approve tariff rates.

Telecom operators had sought the adjustment due to prevailing market challenges. Mouka explained that the approved increase, capped at a maximum of 50% of current tariffs, is significantly lower than the over 100% requested by some operators. The adjustment takes into account ongoing industry reforms aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability.

ALSO READ: NIBSS: Over 64.8m Nigerians have enrolled for BVN

“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study,” Mouka said. “Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, consistent with the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews, and implemented in strict adherence to the 2024 NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification.”

He noted that tariffs have remained static since 2013, despite rising operational costs faced by telecom operators. The adjustment aims to bridge the gap between these costs and existing tariffs, ensuring service delivery is not compromised.

“These changes will enable operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation,” he said, “leading to improved service quality, enhanced customer support, and broader network coverage.”

Mouka emphasized that the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors, reflecting the NCC’s commitment to balancing consumer protection with industry sustainability.

“The NCC understands the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains empathetic to the potential impact of these tariff adjustments,” he added. “Operators are required to implement the changes transparently and fairly, ensuring the public is informed about the new rates while demonstrating measurable improvements in service delivery.”

The Commission also reiterated its commitment to fostering a resilient and inclusive telecommunications sector. This includes supporting indigenous vendors and suppliers critical to the industry’s ecosystem, promoting growth in Nigeria’s digital economy, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

“As a regulator, the NCC will continue to engage stakeholders to create a telecommunications environment that benefits all parties—protecting consumers, supporting operators, and sustaining the ecosystem that drives nationwide connectivity,” Mouka concluded.

NIBSS: Over 64.8m Nigerians have enrolled for BVN

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Hama Media
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The Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) says enrolments for the bank verification number (BVN) increased to 64.83 million in January,Thecable reports.

According to data from the NIBSS, the figure represents an increase of 1.35 million, compared to the 63.47 million recorded in January 2024.

The BVN is an 11-digit number unique to each individual across the banking industry.

BVN is now required to own and operate a bank account in Nigeria.However, as of July 2024, there are 231.1 million active accounts.

ALSO READ: 2027: PDP strategizing to takeover Sokoto – Youth leader

On October 23, 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said a BVN platform will be launched by December for Nigerians in the diaspora.

According to Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN, the platform would enable Nigerians in the diaspora to operate their local bank accounts, run their businesses and sort out know-your-customer (KYC) issues with financial institutions from anywhere in the world.On January 10, CBN introduced the non-resident Nigerian ordinary account (NRNOA) and non-resident Nigerian investment account (NRNIA) for Nigerians in the diaspora.

The NRNOA is an account that enables non-resident Nigerians (NRNs) to remit their foreign earnings to Nigeria and manage funds in both foreign and local currencies.

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