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Despite a court ruling prohibiting the company from implementing the hike, Multichoice Nigeria has forged ahead with its plan to raise prices for DStv and GOtv subscribers.

Initially announced on April 24, Multichoice informed subscribers of an impending fee increase for its cable services, slated to take effect from May 1.

However, a competition and consumer protection tribunal (CCPT) in Abuja issued an interim order halting the price hike following an ex-parte motion.

Despite the court’s directive, a recent check revealed that Multichoice has proceeded with the tariff adjustment as initially proposed. The new prices are now being displayed and enforced on its official website.

For DStv Premium subscribers, the price has skyrocketed from N29,500 to N37,000, a significant increase. Compact Plus subscribers are now paying N25,000 instead of N19,800, a substantial jump. Similarly, the rates for Compact, Confam, and Yanga subscribers have all been adjusted upwards, putting a strain on their budgets.

GOtv subscribers are also affected by the price increase, with changes reflected on their official websites. Elite subscribers (Supa+ and Supa) now pay N15,700 and N9,600, respectively, while Max and Jolli subscribers are expected to pay N7,200 and N4,850, respectively.

Multichoice attributed the price hike to factors such as the foreign exchange crunch, high electricity tariff, and operational costs.

The federal government last night approved a pay rise of between 25 and 35 per cent for civil servants across various consolidated salary structures.

The announcement was made on the eve of May Day, or Labour Day, which is celebrated worldwide to recognise and honour the achievements and contributions of the working class.

The announcement came ahead of the submission of the report of the 37-member tripartite committee on national minimum wage, led by Bukar Goni Aji, a former Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCS), which was inaugurated in January this year.

A statement signed by the Head of Press, National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku, said the increases took effect from January 1, 2024.

But the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said the announcement was “a waste of time.”

In an interview with Daily Trust last night, the NLC Assistant General Secretary, Chris Onyeka, said the commission does not have powers to fix national minimum wage.

“What they pretend to have done is a waste of time. It does not amount to anything for us and those in the federal civil service,” Onyeka told one of our correspondents.

He did not make further comments on the matter despite prodding by our reporter. Other senior officials of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) could not be reached up to press time last night.

Njoku’s statement said that the augmentation applies to the six remaining consolidated salary structures, namely the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS), and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).

It added that the federal government had also approved pension increases ranging from 20% to 28% for pensioners enrolled in the Defined Benefits Scheme within the aforementioned consolidated salary structures, with the same effective date.

Before the latest development, salary increases were implemented for tertiary education and health, among them the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS), Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS), Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS), Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS)

When contacted to shed more light on the statement he issued hours to the May Day, Njoku told Daily Trust that there was no wrong time for workers to benefit from government policies.

He also confirmed that the government would pay the arrears of the backlogs from January.

Njoku added that the increment was different from the multi-stakeholders committee headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Governor Hope Uzodimma has appointed himself as the commissioner for lands in the state.

The unexpected announcement was made by the governor on Tuesday, April 30, during the inauguration of 24 newly appointed commissioners at the Government House in Owerri.

According to him, the self-appointment is a measure to prevent a repeat of past incidents.

He cited the example of a previous commissioner who was embroiled in controversial land deals towards the end of his first tenure.

Details shortly…

President Bola Tinubu is expected to lead a walk to commemorate 25 years of Nigeria’s unbroken democracy on May 29.

The National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG), organisers of the walk, said it is part of a series of other activities lined up to celebrate the epoch-making event.

The group said the Abuja leg of the walk would be led by the president, accompanied by his vice, Kashim Shettima.

The National Democracy Solidarity Walk would take place concurrently across 36 states and Abuja on the day.

The chairman, NDSG, Dr Kletsaint Akor, in a statement on Tuesday, said as the cornerstone event of Nigeria’s Democracy Week, the 5th National Democracy Solidarity Walk holds special significance.

The statement said: “This symbolic walk will bring together citizens from all walks of life to celebrate the spirit of democracy and reflect on its enduring importance.

“The week-long celebration built around the June 12th annual democracy day will feature a diverse array of activities aimed at fostering dialogue, promoting civic engagement, and advancing democratic ideals and culture.”

According to him, Tinubu and Shettima will be supported by other esteemed dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Chief Justice of the Federation, Olukayode Ariwoola, and the Speaker of the House Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas..

The chairman disclosed that the walk in the states would be led by the governors, deputy governors; to be supported by speakers of state assemblies and state chief judges.

He stated that celebrating 25 years of sustained democracy defined the resolve and doggedness of a people towards the ideals of the best form of government.

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According to him, the significant achievement is made possible through the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian people to democratic principles, no matter the unsettling hiccups, which calls for a momentous commemoration.

The statement added: “The Nigeria Democracy Week, scheduled to take place from June 10th to 14th, 2024, will serve as a platform to honour this remarkable journey and reaffirm our collective dedication to democratic governance.

“In the light of this auspicious occasion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all Nigerians for their steadfast support of democracy and their tireless efforts in upholding its values.

“Highlights include the launch of the NDSG Book Chain. The Book Chain is a monumental research work detailing Nigeria’s governance culture from the pre-colonial era to the present, and the visions and activities of all the dramatis personae in the sphere.”

Akor stated that the book chain topics centered on presidents, first ladies, and other prominent leaders.

The minister of interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has declared Wednesday, May 1, 2024 as a public holiday to mark this year’s Workers’ Day celebration.

This was contained in a statement by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, on Tuesday, April 30.

The minister re-iterated the need for excellence, efficiency and equity in all spheres of labour, re-affirming the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, productivity, and inclusivity in the workplace.

Tunji-Ojo said: “In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens. Let me reaffirm Mr. President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development”

While acknowledging the contribution of workers, he called for proactive measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through synergy in in the implementation of sustainable practices and policies that promote well-being in the workplace and in building a nation guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and compassion.

The minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as he wished workers happy celebrations.

A rowdy session marred the resumption of the Senate to plenary on Tuesday as senators fought over the seats.

The plenary had started around 11 am and immediately after the procession, the Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio, read out announcements, specifically the names of the lawmakers who had celebrated their birthdays while the Senate was on break.

It was while the announcement was ongoing that Senator Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North) started to raise his voice at the Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) while he in return pointed his finger at Yau as if giving him a stern warning.

Immediately, Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) joined his colleague Yau in shouting at Bamidele and the chairman, of Senate Services, Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) who was in charge of the seating arrangements.

The PUNCH gathered that the fight was triggered by the seating arrangement in the newly renovated hallow chamber.

Some ranking Senators were said to have been angry at the seats allocated to them in the front row on the last right side of the aisle.

The Senate President eventually told them to approach the chair one after the other but Yau didn’t oblige him.

The rowdy session lasted for about 20 minutes as senators bickered.

After the Senate President read his welcome-back speech, the Senate leader, moved that the Senate resolved into a closed-door session.

The Senate after that, at about 12: 05 pm resolved into an executive session.

The Senate had on March 20, adjourned plenary till April 16, but postponed resumption twice to allow for the completion of the chamber which had been under renovation since 2022.

Some bank customers have expressed panic as the Central Bank of Nigeria bans mobile money operators including fintech firms from onboarding new customers.

However, the Bank Customers Association of Nigeria backed the CBN directive.

The new directive will affect fintech companies such as OPay, Palmpay, Kuda Bank, and Moniepoint, from opening new accounts until further notice.

Reliable sources from three major fintechs who requested not to be mentioned as they were not permitted to speak, confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Monday.

The CBN’s move was linked to an ongoing audit of the Know-Your-Customer process of the fintechs, which have been under scrutiny in recent months over concerns around money laundering and terrorism financing.

It was gathered that the CBN had summoned some of the heads of fintechs to Abuja to discuss issues around KYC last week.

The CBN has not yet publicly commented on the directive to the fintech firms.

Several calls made to the telephone line of the CBN spokesperson, Hakama Ali Sidi, were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.

Also, the directive coincided with the court order that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained to freeze at least 1,146 bank accounts owned by various individuals and companies allegedly involved in illegal foreign exchange transactions.

The 85-page court order (document), which listed the bank account details suspected to be involved in illicit activities.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on the ex-parte motion, moved by counsel for the anti-graft agency, Ekele Iheanacho, also granted the commission’s application to conclude the investigation within 90 days.

Part of the court document read, “That the applicant’s (EFCC) application is hereby granted as prayed.

“That an order of this honorable court is hereby made freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule below, which accounts are owned by various individuals who are currently being investigated in a case involving the offenses of unauthorised dealing in foreign exchange, money laundering, and terrorism financing, to the extent that the investigation will be for a period of 90 (ninety) days.”

The EFCC, in the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/543/2024 dated and filed April 24 by Iheanacho, was heard by the judge the same day in the interest of national interest. “The motion was brought pursuant to Section 44(2) and (K) of the 1999 Constitution; Section 34 of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004; Section 7(8) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022; and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.”

The President of the Bank Customers Association of Nigeria, Uju Ogubunka, backed the CBN’s move to suspend new account opening on the affected platforms.

It was gathered that the strict regulations that govern deposit money banks must apply to fintechs,  and microfinance banks in order to ensure the integrity of the financial institutions.

He said, “Anything that can disrupt the system should not be permitted. If the platforms are being used for things that are against the regulations, I think the CBN decision is OK. I don’t see anything wrong with that. It behoves on the companies now to get their KYC right.

“Let them do what they are supposed to do. KYC applies to banks and other financial institutions that deposit money. It should also apply to them so that the regulators can understand what is going on and hold them accountable.”

On the other hand, Emmanuel Odunsi on X (formerly Twitter) welcomed the move, citing the need for better KYC processes to prevent scams and fraudulent activities.

“Their KYC isn’t that great. Lots of scammers are using their apps to defraud people.

“Most of the accounts were created by mining phone numbers, with subscribers’ permission. Almost every phone number has been linked to an account,” Odunsi said.

In October 2023, Fidelity Bank blocked transfers to OPay, Palmpay, Kuda, and Moniepoint due to concerns around KYC processes.

In response, the CBN introduced new KYC rules for all financial institutions in November 2023, which appeared to target fintech startups.

A source from Moniepoint said the company had complied with the directive, effectively halting new account creation on their platform. However, the source denied having anything to do with KYC.

“It’s just a regulation from the CBN, and we’ve complied. The real question is, why are fintechs always targeted,” he source argued.

“It has nothing to do with KYC; I am aware that the CBN communicated, but this particular issue dwells on accounts related to cryptocurrency transactions,” the source revealed.

The CBN has an ambitious target to increase overall financial inclusion to 95 per cent of the adult population by 2024.

With the new order, the target may be affected, as the company processes about 100 new accounts every day.

The source argued that fintechs had played significant roles in deepening financial inclusion in the country.

The company had deployed robust and reliable digital payment infrastructure that has facilitated an average monthly transaction value of $12bn for about 1.6 million businesses, it said last year.

It was gathered that there was a CBN directive for fintechs to reassess their KYC processes.

This is causing a temporary pause in onboarding new customers, the source stated.

She clarified that the KYC review was a collaborative effort with the CBN, and fintechs were awaiting further instructions without a specified timeline for resolution.

Another source at OPay, who also declined to be named, said they were following the CBN’s directive and could not comment further.

“We don’t really have anything to say. It’s just a directive that we are following. The CBN has issued their directive.“

Fintech companies have faced increased regulatory scrutiny over their account opening processes.

Customers worry

However, some customers have also used social media, both on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, to express their worries and opinions on the matter.

Some customers are anxious about the safety of their funds, with Warisenibo Jumbo suggesting it’s best to transfer their money out of Opay.

Oye Niran wondered if their Moniepoint account was safe, stating, “Hope my Moniepoint account is safe.”

Larry Leanz questioned the rationale for keeping money on these platforms.

“But is it still safe to keep money there?, Leanz questioned.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ngor, Ward 1 Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, has suspended Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante, a member representing Andoni/Opobo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Leading reporters recalls that Abiante, a loyalist of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, led a protest against FCT minister Nyesom Wike over his rift with the Rivers governor in 2023.

Abiante’s suspension was contained in a resolution read to journalists after a meeting of the leaders and stakeholders of the PDP in Ngor, on Monday night.

The resolution, which was signed by the PDP CTC ward chairman in Andoni LGA, Dike Bara, and CTC ward secretary, CTC, Dokubo Jackson, and 12 other executives, was unanimously adopted by the leaders and stakeholders of the party in the ward.

Bara said Abiante’s suspension was due to anti-party activities.

He also accused Abiante of involvement in unauthorized publicity of dispute within the party and creating a parallel PDP organ at the Ward level, among others.

The resolution read: “That Hon. Awaji-inombek Dagomie Abiante should be and, is hereby suspended from the Party for not only promoting factions at the Ward level, but also belonging to a group under the guise of the Party: not being a group provided for in the Party’s Constitution. Which action is in breach of S. 58(1) (0) of the Party’s Constitution.

“That the suspension of Hon. Awaji-inombek Dagomie Abiante is also predicated upon his involvement in unauthorized publicity of disputes within the Party, creating a parallel Party organ at the Ward level and, his involvement in anti-party activities.

“Thereby, causing disaffection among members of the Party and threatening peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the Party at the ward level.

“Thus, in breach of S.58(1)(i),(e)&(h) of the Party’s Constitution. Furthermore, the suspension of Hon. Awaji-inombek Dagomie Abiante became indispensable putting into consideration, his involvement in organizing, equips and encouraging the retention, training, equipping of a group of members for the purpose of employing violence, coercion and other forms of intimidation within the party.”

Weeks after announcing an increase in the electricity tariff of Band A customers, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has adjusted the price of a single phase meter from N58,661.69 to N81,975.16.

NERC also adjusted the price of three phase meter from N109,684.36 to N143,836.10.

The adjustments were contained in an order entitled “The deregulation of meter prices for meters deployed under the Meter Asset Provider Scheme” which was signed by NERC chairman, Engr Sanusi Garba and the commissioner in charge of legal licensing compliance, Barrister Dafe Akpeneye, on Monday, April 29, 2024.

According to the duo, the cost of single phase and three phase meters for MAPs, inclusive of all other associated costs of installation and warranties shall continue to be at the regulated rates approved by the commission.

NERC said the Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) and Local Meter Manufacturers Associations (LMMAs) have requested a further review of meter prices in consideration of significant changes in NGN/USD foreign exchange rate and inflation rate since the last price review in September 2023 and the significant changes in these macroeconomic variables has constrained their ability to supply meters at the approved regulated price.

Garba and Akpeneye said the commission has noted the need for the efficient pricing of meters to respond more quickly to changes in macroeconomic parameters, particularly exchange rates.

“The commission has further taken cognisance of the constraints/challenges faced by MAPs and LMMAs and therefore approved the deregulation of prices of meters deployed under the MAP scheme with effect from 1 May 2024,” the order stated.

“The commission hereby orders: with effect from 1 May 2024, all prices of meters under the MAP scheme shall be determined through a competitive bidding process with customers provided with a choice of authorised vendors.

“The combined effects of sections 8(1 )(c), 8(1 )(d), 16(1 )(h), 31 and 32(1 )(b) of the Regulations on the regulated pricing of meters deployed under the MAP scheme is hereby derogated.

“The cost of prices of meters deployed under the MAP scheme is HEREBY DEREGULATED to enable end.use customers acquire meters from MAPs.”

NERC noted that the choice is based on competitive open market prices determined from transparent bidding frameworks.

The order noted that all MAP permits holders are henceforth eligible to provide services and transact for the provision of meters and metering services with any DisCo in the Federal Republic of Nigeria with their existing permit. 

According to the commission, the lifting of the restriction on permitting to operate in all DisCos is subject to the mandatory requirement for MAPs to comply with the associated DisCo specific requirements/specifications.

The commission added that all DisCos shall ensure the effective and seamless integration of smart meters deployed by MAPs with the DisCo’s head-end systems and meter data management systems.

It further noted that all DisCos shall provide a publicly accessible online portal on their website where prospective MAPs can view the DisCo’s technical specifications and commercial terms for participation as a MAP within its network area.

Garba and Akpeneye said all  DisCos are required to conduct a thorough test and confirmation of specifications for new meters proposed by a prospective MAP and concluded no later than 20 working days from the date the proposed MAP fulfils all the requirements specified on the online portal to participate within its network area.