Business

NCC approves 50% tariff hike for telecoms

Published

1 year ago

January 20, 2025

360 Views

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

JUST IN : Traders Resist Takeover of Lagos International Trade Fair Complex By LASG

The ASPAMDA Market within the complex—one of the largest spare parts markets in Lagos—was among the sections affected by the shutdown.

Published

29 minutes ago

March 11, 2026

OCHEFA

13 Views

Commercial activities at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex were disrupted on Wednesday as traders shut down the facility while protesting a proposed takeover of the market’s management by state and local government authorities.

The traders said they were concerned about the implications of the planned arrangement, including possible new levies and taxes that could affect their businesses.

Many traders insisted that the complex is a federal facility and called for further consultations before any changes to its management structure are implemented.

The development led to the closure of shops across the complex, leaving hundreds of traders gathered around parks and garages within the market premises as discussions continued.

The ASPAMDA Market within the complex—one of the largest spare parts markets in Lagos—was among the sections affected by the shutdown.

Eyewitnesses said traders began the protest early in the morning by locking up their shops and stalls to draw attention to their concerns over the proposed changes.

We are not against development, but we are concerned about the possible levies and taxes that may be introduced if the management structure changes,” a trader who identified himself as Emeka Onu said.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, visited the market during the day as part of efforts to engage with traders and encourage the reopening of the complex.

Before commencing her tour of the market, the minister urged that the gates of the complex be opened to traders, stating that her visit was aimed at interacting with stakeholders and supporting the smooth conduct of business activities.

Business

Nigeria gears up to host Intra-African Trade Fair 2027

While Nigeria was taking over the baton from Algeria which hosted the highly successful fourth edition that recorded US$49.94 billion in trade and investment deals, the 2027, IATF2027 is targeting over US$50 billion in trade and investment deals, 100,000 visitors, 2,500 exhibitors, and participation from more than 100 countries.

Published

4 hours ago

March 11, 2026

OCHEFA

20 Views

• Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, IATF Chairperson

The Nigerian government has declared its readiness to host the fifth Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 (IATF2027), scheduled to take place from November 5 – 11 in Lagos.

The host agreement signing ceremony was held in Lagos, the designated ‘host city.

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)., Francisca Tatchoup Belobe, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, and Cynthia E. Gnassingbé-Essonam, Director of Private Sector Engagement and Communications at AfCFTA Secretariat, who represented Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA Secretariat, signed for the IATF.

The Fair will be held under the theme “Global Africa, Smart Trade- From Market Access to Market Power”featuring diverse programme notably the trade exhibitions

In his opening remarks, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairperson of the IATF2027 Advisory Council and Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, underscored the strategic importance of the Fair in shaping Africa’s economic sovereignty.

He said : “The signing of this host agreement marks a momentous milestone for Nigeria and for the continent. Bringing IATF2027 to Lagos is historically significant, as this city hosted the Lagos Plan of Action adopted in 1980, which championed Africa’s industrialisation and economic self-sufficiency. We have to work hard to keep moving towards the Africa we want. I am confident that IATF2027 will surpass all previous editions in both scope and impact as we advance our shared goal for a unified African marketplace under the AfCFTA.

Commenting on Nigeria’s expanding footprint in intra-African commerce, highlighted Nigeria’s rising contribution

Photo: L-R: Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade & Export Development, Afreximbank; H.E.Francisca Tatchouop Belobe Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, African Union Commission; Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chair, IATF, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister for Industry, Trade, and Investment; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State; Cynthia Gnassingbe, Director Partnerships and Private Sector AFCFTA; Lois Ekra, Deputy Chair, IATF and Joseph Ifebunandu, Head, Banking Legal Services, Afreximbank during the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 (IATF2027) Host signing ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, held March 9

Business

Bank of Industry and Sugar Council Unveil N10bn Fund for Greenfield Sugar Projects

The greenfield projects beneficiary are Illaj Sugar, Brent Foods, Crystal Sugar, Legacy Sugar, Saro Sugar, Awaa, Ganic and Confluence Sugar.

Published

2 days ago

March 9, 2026

OCHEFA

38 Views

Photo: Inside a sugar factory

The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Bank of Industry (BOI) have provided a N10 billion Sugar Project Acceleration Fund (SPAF) to support the development of greenfield sugar projects across the country and strengthen Nigeria’s sugar industry.

The greenfield projects beneficiary are Illaj Sugar, Brent Foods, Crystal Sugar, Legacy Sugar, Saro Sugar, Awaa, Ganic and Confluence Sugar.

In a statement the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSDC, Kamar Bakrin, said that the fund is designed to provide financing and project development support to viable greenfield projects in a bid to accelerate the emergence of a sustainable and competitive sugar industry.

Bakrin point out that access to capital alone does not guarantee sugar production, noting that many development finance institutions and investors already have significant funds available for agro-industrial projects.

““SPAF is NSDC’s structured pre-investment facility established to provide qualifying project promoters with the technical, financial and advisory support required to develop their projects to bankable standard.

It is not a grant programme but a facility designed to build a credible pipeline of investor-ready Nigerian sugar projects,” he added.

The Executive Director of Public Sector and Intervention Programmes at BOI, Hadiza Shuaib, said that the bank will serve as the fund manager for SPAF while NSDC will provide sector leadership and technical guidance.

“As Fund Manager, BOI will ensure that projects are properly structured, risks are effectively managed, and funds are deployed responsibly. We are also strong advocates for skills development, because financing alone is not sufficient to deliver sustainable outcomes,” she said.