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50% telecom tariff hike: NATCOMS backs decision as NLC bows to FG’s pressure

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The Nigeria Labour Congress has bowed to pressure to halt its planned Tuesday nationwide protest against the 50 percent telecommunication tariff hike.

Also, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers backed the decision by the organized Labour.

The NLC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government after a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Monday night.

In the MoU signed by the SGF, Senator George Akume, NLC president Joe Ajaero, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, and the National Secretary of NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja, both parties agreed to set up a technical committee to resolve gray areas in the 50 percent telecom tariff approval.

However, NLC reiterated its rejection of the tariff hike.

“Arising from the meeting convened by the Federal Government of Nigeria on the proposed 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs in the country, which the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed strong opposition to, citing its potential negative impact on the Nigerian workers and the economy with a threat to proceed on a one-day nationwide mass protest, the following resolutions were reached:

That there is a need for the parties to sit together in a technical group to resolve most of the thorny areas raised during the discussion; consequently, a 10-man joint committee was set up of five (5) representatives each from the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); and the committee shall conclude and submit its deliberations within two (2) weeks from this 3rd day of February, 2025.

“The parties call on the Nigerian people to remain calm while this committee concludes its assignment,” the communique after the meeting stated.

Earlier, a civic society organisation known as the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, NCSCN, had announced the suspension of its planned protest against the 50 percent tariff hike.

Recall that last week, NLC announced Tuesday, 4th February, 2025, as a date for a one-day mass protest against the telecom tariff hike.

In a notice last Thursday by NLC National Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union had already asked the state congress and affiliate union to mobilise for Tuesday’s mass protest.

This comes after the Nigerian Communications Commission on January 2025 approved a 50 percent telecommunications tariff hike for operators.

The approval has sparked tariff hike controversy in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

NLC and other telecom subscribers had opposed the tariff implementation, citing the persistent economic hardship Nigerians already face.

Subscribers back nationwide protest suspension

On Monday, the National President of NATCOMS, Adeolu Ogunbanjo recommended suspension of the nationwide protest against the 50 percent tariff hike.

According to Ogunbanjo, the protest would hinder investors’ confidence and negatively impact investment in the sector.

NATCOMS had suggested that the government should review the 50 percent telecom tariff to 10 percent.

“NLC shouldn’t conduct mass protests that will affect investors’ confidence.“

The telecom sector has been a leading example in the country.“

NLC should not protest; that would send in wrong signals to investors. They should allow civility to reign in the telecom sector.

“That is why we are supporting only a 10 percent tariff hike for operators. If that is not enough, they should look elsewhere for capitalisation.

Mobilie Network Opertors such as MTN, Airtel. GLO had earlier said that it would soon implement the new tariff hike.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, ‘Bosun Tijani, had cited rising global inflation as justification for the 50 percent telecom tariff hike approval.

The hike would see the cost of recharging calls and data and other telecom services increase by 50 percent.

Recall that the last time NCC hiked telecom tariffs was in 2013.

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Nigeria’s Cement Industry Output to Hit 78Mt/yr with New Entrants Adding 13Mt/yr

Currently, the Nigerian cement market is led by major players including Dangote Cement, Lafarge Africa, and BUA Cement, which collectively produce 60 Mt/yr.

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▪︎Aliko Dangote, the largest cement producer in the domestic market.

Nigeria’s cement industry is set to increase its output to 78 million metric tonnes per annum (Mt/yr) with the entry of two new players.

Ohibaba.com exclusively reports that MSM Cement and Resident Cement are poised to add a combined capacity of 13 Mt/yr, with MSM Cement planning a 3 Mt/yr plant in Kebbi State and Resident Cement developing a larger 10 Mt/yr facility in Bauchi State.

The Kebbi project marks a new initiative, supported by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) valued at US$2.4 billion between the state government and MSM Cement.

The Chairman of MSM Group, Alhaji Muazzam Mairawani, indicated that the plant will be built in four phases, each costing US$600 million, with the first phase expected to commence production by early 2027.

Originally established in the fertilizer sector, MSM Group has diversified into oil and gas, shipping, and agriculture. In contrast, the Bauchi project is already further advanced, with an MOU worth US$1.5 billion signed in mid-2024.

It also includes plans for a 100MW power plant, a dam, and various amenities to benefit the local community.

The state reportedly holds a 10 percent  stake in the project, which is partly backed by Sinoma Nigeria Company.

Currently, the Nigerian cement market is led by major players including Dangote Cement, Lafarge Africa, and BUA Cement, which collectively produce 60 Mt/yr.

Dangote Cement, the largest producer, has a capacity of 35.25 Mt/yr across its four plants, while BUA Cement has recently expanded to reach 20 Mt/yr.

Lafarge Africa adds another 10.5 Mt/yr to the total production capacity in the country. With the newcomers, Nigeria’s total cement capacity is expected to exceed 78 Mt/yr, solidifying its position in the industry.

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MTN Nigeria moving headquarters to Eko Atlantic 

As part of this commitment, we have acquired a piece of land in Eko Atlantic City, and we will commence construction once we have gotten the equipment,” said  Toriola

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MTN Nigeria is relocating its corporate headquarters from Falomo- Ikoyi, to the Eko Atlantic City.

MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola, disclosed this during the MyLagosApp launch event in Lagos, yesterday.  Toriola said that the company’s new headquarters will be situated in Eko Atlantic, four years after it  announced plans to build a new head office. 

MTN will be the first telecom operator to build in the coastal city, signaling confidence in its potential as one of the premier business hubs in Nigeria. “Beyond connectivity, we are committed to making long-term investments in Lagos.

As part of this commitment, we have acquired a piece of land in Eko Atlantic City, and we will commence construction once we have gotten the equipment,” said  Toriola.

He added that MTN Nigeria is also constructing West Africa’s largest Tier 4 data center in Lagos.

The facility will house 1,500 racks and operate as a carrier-neutral hub, allowing multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and cloud service providers to interconnect.

Toriola said that the data center will not be situated within Eko Atlantic but on the Lagos mainland. 

“With seven degrees of connectivity, this facility will be the most sophisticated data hub in the region, further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leader in digital transformation,” Toriola said.

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NESG Urges Diversion of Nigeria’s Trade Amidst U.S and China Tariffs War

Given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported manufactured goods and raw materials, NESG warns that the country could face significant economic challenges if these trade tensions escalate further

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▪︎Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has stressed the need for Nigeria to divert its trade pattern towards countries that are unaffected by the U.S. tariffs.

The NESG made the call in its latest Foreign Trade Alert: 2024Q4 & Full Year 2024.

The report highlighted Nigeria’s vulnerability to global trade disruptions, particularly in its import-dependent industrial sector.

“The trade war between the U.S. and China needs to be hedged against.  This would reduce tariff-induced increases in import bills, considering that the country’s import-dependent non-oil industrial sector is highly vulnerable,” the report noted.

The United States imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports in February 2025, with plans to increase it by another 10% in April.

In retaliation, China announced additional tariffs of 10-15% on certain U.S. imports starting March 10, 2025, along with a series of export restrictions targeting designated U.S. entities.

These measures are expected to disrupt global supply chains, slow world trade growth, and drive up the prices of globally traded commodities.

Given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported manufactured goods and raw materials, NESG warns that the country could face significant economic challenges if these trade tensions escalate further.

China remained Nigeria’s largest trading partner in Q4 2024, followed by India, Belgium, the U.S., and France.

The most imported commodities during the period included refined petroleum products, sugar cane, and spare parts.

However, Nigeria’s reliance on imports, particularly from China, makes it susceptible to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions stemming from the U.S.-China trade conflict.

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