Business
NCC approves 50% tariff hike for telecoms
The Nigerian Communications Commission has approved requests from network operators for tariff adjustments in response to rising operational costs, marking the first change in rates since 2013.
The decision, announced in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, on Monday, allows for a maximum adjustment of 50% to current tariffs, significantly less than the over 100% proposed by some operators.
The NCC said it is exercising its authority under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and emphasised that the new tariffs would remain within the limits outlined in its 2013 Cost Study.
According to the commission, the adjustments will also adhere to its 2024 Guidance on Tariff Simplification, ensuring transparency and fairness in implementation.
“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.
“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews.
It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.
“Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators.
The approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised,” the statement said.
The NCC noted that the adjustment was necessary to sustain investment in infrastructure and innovation, benefiting consumers through improved services, better network quality, and wider coverage.
“This decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors,” Muoka stated, adding that the commission prioritised balancing consumer protection with industry sustainability.
While recognising the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses, the NCC mandated operators to implement the new rates transparently and educate consumers on the changes.
Operators are also required to demonstrate measurable improvements in service delivery as part of the adjustments.
“Recognising the concerns of the public, this decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
“The NCC has prioritised striking a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the sustainability of the industry, including the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem.
“The NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments.
To this end, the commission has mandated that operators implement these adjustments transparently and in a manner that is fair to consumers. Operators are also required to educate and inform the public about the new rates while demonstrating measurable improvements in service delivery,” it added.
The commission underscored its commitment to fostering a resilient and inclusive telecommunications sector.
“Beyond protecting consumers, the commission’s actions are designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry, support indigenous vendors and suppliers, and promote the overall growth of Nigeria’s digital economy,” the statement added.
The NCC assured Nigerians of continued engagement with stakeholders to maintain a telecommunications environment that protects consumers while enabling the ecosystem that drives connectivity across the nation.
Business
FG plans largest dairy, cattle ranches in Ogun — Abiodun
” Whenever investors express interest in Nigeria, President Tinubu often directs them to Ogun State. His leadership has rekindled hope among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora,” the governor said.
Photo: Governor Dapo Abiodun
OGUN State Governor, Dapo Abiodun said today: ” The Federal Government is siting the largest dairy and cattle ranches in Nigeria at Ipokia and Yewa South Local Government Areas, with an initial capacity of 5,000 herds of cattle.”
The governor made the announcement during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Strategic Stakeholders Meeting at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, noting that the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen food security, boost local agricultural production, and deepen value chains across the state.
“The biggest dairy and cattle ranches will soon be established in Yewa South and Ipokia. This is at the instance of Mr. President. These farms will start with 5,000 herds of cattle, and work will begin very soon,” Abiodun said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms, highlighting their role in stabilising the foreign exchange market, eliminating multiple exchange-rate regimes, and boosting Nigeria’s foreign reserves to about $45 billion.
Abiodun also praised the President for consistent support towards Ogun State, including approvals for projects such as the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode Road reconstruction, funding of the Eba oil discovery, and resuscitation of OKLNG.
“Whenever investors express interest in Nigeria, President Tinubu often directs them to Ogun State. His leadership has rekindled hope among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora,” the governor said.
Business
12 states harmonise new tax reforms, says Oyedele
“Let us stop using consultants to collect taxes. It undermines our ability to do what is right. The new tax law says you cannot use consultants to do the routine work of the tax authority and its autonomy must be guaranteed.”
Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, says that twelve states have so far adopted tax reform and harmonised the new acts with their laws.
Oyedele disclosed this during a presentation at the National Economic Council Conference in Abuja, yesterday.
Oyedele said that besides the 12 states, 13 states have the bills in their houses of assembly, while 11 states are in the final stages of presenting the bills.
He said it was important for the states to adopt and harmonise the new tax laws with their state tax laws to avoid multiple taxation.
He advised state governors to grant their internal revenue agencies autonomy.
“Let us stop using consultants to collect taxes. It undermines our ability to do what is right. The new tax law says you cannot use consultants to do the routine work of the tax authority and its autonomy must be guaranteed,” he said.
Business
Heineken to cut global workforce by 6,000 as beer demands falter
There are fears that Nigeria would be impacted as the company revealed that the cuts would be focused on non-priority markets offering fewer growth prospects.
• Heineken
Global brewer, Heineken, yesterday, said it would retrench 6,000 staff out of its 87,000 global workforce this year as it grapples with weak demand and rising costs.
The second biggest brewer by market value has promised to deliver higher growth with less resources as it looks to assuage investors who said it has fallen behind on efficiency.
This is coming right after the surprise January resignation of its current Chief Executive Officer, Dolf van den Brink, leaving the company scrambling for a new CEO.Also, sales across the sector are faltering amid strained consumer finances, geopolitical turbulence and bad weather.
The company said this productivity drive will unlock savings and reduce its global head count by 5,000 to 6,000 positions over the next two years, roughly seven percent of its global workforce of 87,000 people.
The company’s head of finance, Harold van den Broek, added that they are doing this to strengthen operations and to be able to invest in growth.
There are fears that Nigeria would be impacted as the company revealed that the cuts would be focused on non-priority markets offering fewer growth prospects.
He added that further cuts would also result from previously announced initiatives targeting Heineken’s supply network, head office and regional business units.
Outgoing-CEO van den Brink, who steps down in May, said that there was no update on the brewer’s search for a successor.
Along with weak demand, brewers are facing long-term declines in beer sales in some key markets, dented by issues such concerns over the health impact of alcohol consumption.
Heineken expects slower profit growth for 2026 of between 2 and 6 per cent against the 4 to 8 per cent growth it guided for last year.
Fubara Sacks Commissioners , Special Advisers
Leadership should shift to under 50s – Jonathan
El-Rufai speaks on Abuja airport arrest attempts by security operatives
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Sports2 days agoTottenham sacks manager Thomas Frank
-
News2 days agoPlane Crash Averted as Arik Air Flight to Port Harcourt Diverts Safely After Engine Issue Mid-Air
-
Sports1 day agoMexico invests in robotic dogs for 2026 World Cup
-
Politics2 days agoADC, PDP to boycott Kano by-elections
-
Business2 days agoDangote Expanding Investment To Burundi
-
News2 days agoFG orders NAFDAC to halt sachet alcohol ban enforcements
-
Politics2 days agoI could be arrested anytime – El-Rufai
-
News3 days agoBREAKING: Senate OKs Electronic & Manual Election Result Transmission