Headlines

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a 50% increase in tariffs for data and airtime, raising the cost of telecommunications services across the country.

Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s spokesman, announced the adjustment on Monday, stating that the approved increase is significantly lower than the over 100% requested by some network operators. He said the decision was made in consideration of ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring industry sustainability.

The adjustment aligns with the NCC’s regulatory powers under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA), which empowers the Commission to regulate and approve tariffs for telecommunications operators.

“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study,” the statement read. “Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, following the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.”

According to the NCC, tariff rates have remained static since 2013 despite rising operational costs for telecom operators. The Commission explained that the new rates are intended to bridge the gap between current tariffs and operational expenses, ensuring service delivery is not affected.

“The approved adjustment aims to support operators in maintaining investments in infrastructure and innovation. This will ultimately benefit consumers through improved network quality, better customer service, and wider coverage,” the statement added.

Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by Nigerians, the NCC emphasized that operators must implement the changes transparently and fairly. It also directed them to educate the public about the new rates and demonstrate measurable improvements in service delivery.

As of December 2023, Nigeria recorded over 224 million active telecom subscribers, according to NCC data. MTN Nigeria leads the market with over 87 million subscribers, accounting for 38.79% of the total market share. Globacom and Airtel each have 61 million subscribers, while 9mobile serves 13.9 million users.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed January 30 for the hearing of a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE, seeking to void all petrol import licenses granted to certain oil marketing companies.

Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the case on Monday to allow for the proper service of court papers on all parties involved.

During the resumed hearing, George Ibrahim, counsel for the plaintiff, informed the court that the session was originally scheduled for a report on the settlement or service of processes. However, he stated that the plaintiffs had been unable to serve the necessary documents due to a motion filed to amend their originating summons, following an error discovered in the initial application.

Counsel for the respondents, including Matthew Bukar (representing the NMDPRA), Ahmed Raji (representing A.Y.M. Shafa, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Limited), and Divine Oguru (representing T. Time Petroleum and 2015 Petroleum Limited), confirmed that they had not received any court documents.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, was filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE against the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and several oil marketing firms, including A.Y.M. Shafa Holdings Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.

Among other reliefs, the plaintiff is seeking a declaration that, as a Free-Zone Enterprise registered under the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Act (NEPZA), it is exempted from all federal, state, and local government taxes, levies, and other charges. The plaintiff is also demanding N100 billion in damages from the defendants.

The case is expected to resume on January 30, 2025, for further proceedings.

U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday hosted his successor, Donald Trump, at the White House for a courtesy visit ahead of Trump’s inauguration.

The meeting, a long-standing tradition in the peaceful transition of power, symbolized the handover of leadership and continuity of governance in the United States. Biden, accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, greeted Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, at the White House entrance.

In a brief exchange of pleasantries, the Bidens and the Trumps shared warm remarks before making their way inside the presidential residence. The visit was part of a series of ceremonial activities leading up to Trump’s swearing-in as the next president of the United States.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss matters of national interest and ensure a smooth transfer of power. While no details of their conversation were disclosed, such meetings typically include discussions on ongoing policies, challenges, and priorities for the incoming administration.

The First Ladies, Jill Biden and Melania Trump, also participated in the traditional courtesy visit, a gesture underscoring bipartisan respect and cooperation despite political differences.

Trump’s inauguration, scheduled for later this week, will mark the official beginning of his presidency, concluding Biden’s tenure as the 46th President of the United States. The peaceful transition of power remains a hallmark of American democracy, with the White House visit serving as a key moment in maintaining this tradition.

As of 12 p.m. on January 20, 2025, the death toll from a devastating explosion has risen to 98, with 69 people injured.

The incident also destroyed 20 shops in the area, leaving business owners with significant financial losses.

In a statement, Baba-Arah described the explosion as a catastrophic tragedy that has thrown the state into mourning. He confirmed that rescue operations are still underway, with emergency responders working tirelessly to ensure the injured receive proper medical attention and recover the remains of the deceased.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident,” Baba-Arah said. “The state government and NSEMA are committed to supporting the victims and ensuring that those injured get the care they need.”

Efforts to provide relief to affected individuals and families are ongoing as authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosion.

The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, participated in a special prayer programme held ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States.

During the event, Pastor Kumuyi’s accomplishments were highlighted, including his background as a professor of mathematics and leader of the world’s third-largest church.

Addressing the audience, Pastor Kumuyi called for prayers for the United States, expressing gratitude to God for the gathering.

In his prayer, he said, “Almighty God, we thank you and bless your name. What a great and glorious God you are. And what a gathering we have this afternoon. We thank you for the church in America.”

He prayed for wisdom for the incoming president and unity for the church, asking God to strengthen the relationship between the church and leadership.

“Grant him wisdom and grant the church the unity, the knowledge, and forthrightness to speak the truth to power. Revive the church and purge your church, that there will be holiness and the righteousness you expect,” Pastor Kumuyi prayed.

The clergyman concluded with a call for a meaningful role for the church in governance and the nation’s spiritual revival.

Five people lost their lives in a fatal road accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway late Sunday night. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. near Fatgbems Bus Stop, according to the Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola.

The crash, involving a Mercedes Benz SUV, also left one passenger injured. Odutola revealed that the accident happened as the vehicle was heading towards Mowe Bus Stop by Longbridge. The driver reportedly lost control, collided with a culvert, and the SUV overturned, landing in the opposite lane.

“Three male and two female adults in the vehicle were confirmed dead, while one passenger sustained injuries. The vehicle’s roof was torn off, and the car was extensively damaged,” Odutola said.

Traffic police responded swiftly, taking photographs and arranging for the injured passenger to be transported to AZ Carezone Hospital in Magboro for treatment. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Real Divine Hospital in Ibafo for preservation.

Family members of the victims have been contacted, and the police have urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to safe driving practices.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to conduct an electronic auction of vehicles that are subjects of final forfeiture orders. The auction will be carried out by appointed auctioneers in line with the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022.

Interested members of the public are encouraged to refer to the tweet below for further details.

https://twitter.com/officialEFCC/status/1881271727465914462