News
Telecom tariff hike: NLC halts protest as FG plans review panel
The Nigeria Labour Congress has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs approved by the Federal Government.
The labour union aborted the planned rally scheduled for Tuesday (today) following a meeting with government representatives at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja, on Monday.
The telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, had defended the 50 per cent tariff increase, citing rising operational costs driven by inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and higher energy expenses.
In a statement, the regulator said the adjustment was in line with its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 to ensure the financial sustainability of the telecom sector.
However, the NLC rejected the tariff hike and demanded a reduction to five per cent, threatening a nationwide protest if its demands were not met.
It condemned the hike as insensitive and unjustifiable, arguing that it would impose an extra burden on Nigerian consumers.
The union’s president, Joe Ajaero, reiterated its demand for a significant reduction after the National Administrative Council meeting of the NLC.
He said, “After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were reached: NAC-in-session totally rejects the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike, which it considers too harsh for citizens. It, therefore, strongly condemns the Nigerian Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase.”
“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already suffering under worsening economic hardship caused by government policies beyond their control.”
The union called on Nigerians to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services in protest against the increase.
Despite the union’s pressure, telecom operators remained firm that the current adjustment was necessary to maintain service quality and support network expansion in an increasingly challenging economic environment.
They ruled out negotiations with organised labour on the tariff increase, insisting that no reduction would be made despite the labour threat.
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, argued that the approved increase is vital to sustaining telecom operations amid escalating costs.
“This increase is a lifeline that enables us to survive. Anything lower would be like giving someone who needs 100 litres of oxygen only a fraction—barely enough to keep them alive but insufficient for long-term survival,” he asserted.
To ensure maximum impact, the NLC mobilised the electricity, aviation workers and civil society groups for the protest.
However, following the Monday meeting, the NLC resolved to halt the demonstration pending further discussions.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, NLC President, Ajaero, said the government had agreed to set up a larger committee to review the entire tariff structure.
According to him, the committee will be composed of five representatives from both sides and is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.
Ajaero stated, “We emphasised that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand. On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to look at the entire tariff structure as a model to come out with a realistic and all-inclusive agreement.
“So, the committee will be made up of five representatives, from both sides and expected to come out with a result after two weeks. That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement.’’
He added that the union’s next steps, including protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals, would depend on the outcome of the committee’s work.
“The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow (today) will be put on hold until the outcome of such a committee. The outcome of such a committee is what will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, in terms of boycott, in terms of even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we put online,” he explained.
While the planned symbolic submission of protest letters had been put on hold, Ajaero noted that the NLC remains concerned about other pressing economic issues, including electricity tariffs and burdensome taxes on workers.
“We have also expressed our displeasure over the high electricity tariff and the unbearable tax regime, which is killing workers. These remain unresolved issues that must be addressed,” the labour leader said.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the NCC raised the tariff following a study.
He stated that the NLC agreed to look at the study to come up with its resolutions, adding that a committee of five representatives each from both sides had been instituted.
The minister said, “The crux of the matter is that there is already a study that was conducted by the NCC that led them to arrive at this 50 per cent increase. Now, we are discussing this with Labour.
“Labour has agreed that they will look at that study, and then a small committee has been set up to look at that study once again and come up with a final resolution for the consideration of government and Labour in about two weeks.
“So, the summary of it is that the Nigeria Labour Congress and the delegation of the Federal Government have set up a committee of five each.
“We are going to meet here continuously for the next two weeks, and at the end of the second week, we will now come up with a recommendation that we will give to the government and the organised Labour for final consideration.
“Both the organised Labour, the NLC particularly, and the government people have sat down here and have agreed on this position.
“So, there won’t be any protest tomorrow (today) by the Nigeria Labour Congress, and there will be some form of report that will come up in about two weeks from now to consider the study and other considerations by both parties.”
Meanwhile, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, which had initially supported the protest, also announced on Monday the suspension following a high-level meeting with the NCC.
The council, which represents over 600 affiliate organisations, had previously condemned the tariff hike and planned a mass protest to occupy the headquarters of the NCC and the National Assembly.
However, after extensive deliberations and a forensic review of the economic realities facing telecom service providers, the Council reversed its stance.
The NCSCN assembled an 11-man delegation for a four-hour meeting with NCC officials.
According to NCSCN Executive Director Blessing Akinlosotu, the council’s delegation initially approached the meeting prepared for a showdown, expecting to challenge the NCC on the tariff decision.
However, detailed presentations, economic assessments and operational data provided during the meeting led to a re-evaluation of the situation.
To ensure an objective assessment, the council formed a five-man technical committee to conduct a forensic analysis of telecom service providers’ operational costs, financial statements and annual profit margins.
Akinlosotu said, “After the tensed and robust engagement with the Management of NCC, we further set up a 5-Man Technical Committee to carefully study documents presented to us, and asked the Committee to do clinical and forensic examination of available records of operational costs and annual profits margins of some major Telecom Service Providers in Nigeria, with critical assessments of Financial Statements.
“Our findings were very interesting and calls for serious review of position and planned line of action.”
The committee’s findings revealed that telecom operators had not increased tariffs since 2013 despite inflation and harsh economic conditions.
The cost of electricity and diesel has risen sharply, significantly impacting network operations.
Ebonyi State is still awaiting the arrival of three aircraft Governor Nwifuru reportedly paid for about two years ago.
The governor had promised the arrival of the aircraft years back but as at the time of this report not even one aircraft has landed to start the proposed Ebonyi Air.
This is even as Enugu Air which is taking over the Nigeria Airspace has secured regulatory approval to commence direct flights between Lagos and London Gatwick in December 2026, with bookings for the international route now open.
The state-owned airline announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, describing the approval as a major milestone in its international expansion and efforts to strengthen air connectivity between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The Lagos-London Gatwick service will be operated in partnership with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA), which has been appointed as the designated operating partner for the route.
“Enugu Air has received approval for its Lagos-London Gatwick route, with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA) appointed as the designated operator under a strategic partnership.
“Bookings are now open, and flights will commence in December 2026,” the statement said.
For an airport that has refused to function the governor may have decided to change the narrative but for some reasons the project may have gone the way of the Vanco flyover which has become a burden to the government.
While the former governor Dave Umahi completed flyover projects in less than one year, Governor Nwifuru has failed to deliver just one in more than three years.
As Enugu Air goes to the United Kingdom, Ebonyi people are whispering the question in hushed tones for fear of the unknown; “when will the planes arrive?
Meanwhile, Enugu Air described the latest development as a significant step towards expanding its international operations, improving passenger connectivity and creating new opportunities for trade and investment between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
It also credited Governor Peter Mbah’s strategic aviation agenda, saying his administration’s vision was positioning Enugu as an emerging gateway for international connectivity, investment, tourism and economic growth.
The announcement comes barely six weeks after Enugu Air operated its maiden international flight to Douala, Cameroon, on September 23, 2026.
Launched in July 2025 with an initial fleet of three Embraer aircraft comprising the E170 and E190 series, the airline was established as part of the Mbah administration’s integrated plan to develop a modern, multimodal transport system.
The initiative is also aimed at positioning Enugu as a major aviation hub in West and Central Africa.
Since its launch, Enugu Air has expanded its fleet and route network, with the latest regulatory approval representing another step in its international expansion drive.
No wonder the Ebonyi governor took the whole time given to him at the recent APC rally in Enugu to praise the developmental magic Governor Peter Mbah is doing. The governor could not name one project he was able to deliver for his people.
News
Ogarabe Returns To Enugu As Commissioner Of Police As PSC Deploys New Commissioners To Four States
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the deployment of four new Commissioners of Police to Enugu, Plateau, Nasarawa and Ondo states.
Among the newly deployed officers is CP Fidelis Ogarabe, who has been appointed Commissioner of Police for Enugu State.
Ogarabe was formerly the Commissioner of Police in charge of the INTERPOL Annex, Lagos.
Other officers affected by the deployment include CP Sunday J. A. Okoebor, formerly Commissioner of Police, Police Accounts and Budget, Force Headquarters, who has been posted to Plateau State.
CP Sheikh Mohammed Danko, formerly Commissioner of Police, Force Intelligence Annex, Lagos, has been deployed to Nasarawa State, while CP Johnson Ayodeji Babalola, formerly of the Special Inquiry Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja, has been posted to Ondo State.
The appointments followed a series of interviews conducted by the commission to assess the officers’ fitness, competence and suitability for their new responsibilities.
The deployment was approved on Thursday at the Solomon Arase Conference Hall, Police Service Commission Headquarters, Abuja.
In a statement signed by the commission’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Torty Kalu, the PSC said the appointments were made in accordance with its constitutional mandate.
The Chairman of the commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu, said the appointments were consistent with Section 215(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the commission’s authority in the appointment of Commissioners of Police for the states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Argungu, who was represented by a board member, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (JSC, rtd.), said the officers had been found worthy in learning and character following the assessment.
He charged the newly deployed commissioners to discharge their responsibilities with impartiality, professionalism and a strong commitment to the expectations of their respective offices.
News
Failed Government: Nwifuru Praises Mbah’s Achievements in Enugu, Fails to Highlight Own Projects at APC Rally
The Anyichuks Campaign Office has criticised Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for failing to showcase any significant achievements of his administration during the Southeast presidential campaign flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women’s Mobilisation held at Okpara Square, Enugu, describing his remarks as another indication of the absence of tangible accomplishments to justify his four years in office.
The campaign office expressed disappointment that while the governors of Imo and Enugu states used the opportunity to reel out projects and development initiatives executed with their respective states’ resources and federal allocations, Governor Nwifuru chose to devote his speech to praising his Enugu counterpart, Governor Peter Mbah.
According to the campaign office, the contrast was particularly striking because the event provided an opportunity for the three governors to demonstrate what their respective administrations had achieved and how they had deployed public resources to improve the lives of their people.
“But when the microphone got to Governor Nwifuru, what did Ebonyi people hear? Instead of telling the audience what he has done with the enormous resources accruing to Ebonyi State, he chose to commend Governor Peter Mbah for his achievements in Enugu State.
“Why couldn’t he tell the gathering what he has done with Ebonyi people’s money? Why was he more interested in celebrating another governor’s achievements than presenting his own scorecard to the people he was elected to serve?” the campaign office queried.
It recalled that Nwifuru, in his remarks, praised Governor Mbah for initiatives aimed at promoting unity, developing skills and introducing innovations to women, but offered no comparable account of what his administration had done to advance the welfare and economic fortunes of Ebonyi residents.
The campaign office said the governor’s decision to focus on another state’s achievements, rather than present his own administration’s record, was a missed opportunity that had further reinforced public concerns about his performance.
“It is particularly unfortunate that a governor who has spent almost four years in office could stand before an audience of political leaders and party faithful without identifying concrete achievements of his administration that ordinary Ebonyi people can relate to.
“Ebonyi people deserve more than political slogans, praise-singing and repeated appeals for votes. They deserve leadership that can point to measurable improvements in their living conditions, infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment and economic opportunities.”
The campaign office further argued that Nwifuru’s remarks were symptomatic of what it described as an administration that had failed to add sufficient value to the lives of ordinary men and women in Ebonyi State.
It said the governor’s appeal to women to support the APC and his declaration that the party had an open manifesto would mean little to citizens who, according to the campaign office, were more interested in the practical benefits of governance than political promises.
The office said the growing clamour for Anyichuks to emerge as Ebonyi State’s next governor was rooted in the people’s desire for a departure from what it described as years of disappointing leadership and unfulfilled expectations.
It maintained that Ebonyi could not afford another administration that would merely occupy the Government House without delivering meaningful improvements in the lives of its citizens.
“The growing support for Anyichuks is a reflection of the people’s hunger for a government that understands their struggles and is prepared to translate public resources into tangible benefits.
“Ebonyi people cannot continue to endure an administration that adds little or no value to the everyday lives of ordinary citizens. They want a government that will create opportunities, empower families, support businesses and ensure that the state’s resources work for the people.
“Leadership is not about praising another governor for what he has accomplished. It is about being able to stand before your own people and account for what you have done with the mandate and resources entrusted to you.”
The campaign office therefore urged Ebonyi residents to look beyond party slogans and political endorsements and begin demanding accountability, measurable performance and leadership that places the welfare of the people above political interests.
It said Anyichuks represented the aspiration for a new direction in Ebonyi State, insisting that the state deserved leadership capable of converting its resources and enormous human potential into prosperity for its people.
By Ugoo Aniagoh
From the restoration of electricity at the local government secretariat after 13 years to renewed road, water, sanitation and security initiatives, the Okakpu-led administration is setting its governance agenda in motion.
The administration of Hon. (Dr.) Ikechukwu Okakpu, popularly known as OKD Jnr, and his Deputy, Hon. Ifunanya Nwanadile, has recorded a number of developmental milestones as the duo mark their first 30 days in office as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Since assuming office on October 3, 2026, the administration has initiated interventions across critical sectors, including infrastructure, environmental sanitation, water supply, grassroots governance and community security.
One of the notable achievements recorded within the period is the restoration of electricity at the Njikoka Local Government Secretariat after 13 years without public power supply. The development marks a significant improvement in the working environment at the council headquarters and is expected to enhance administrative efficiency.
In the area of water infrastructure, rehabilitation of pipe-borne water facilities across the local government has commenced, reflecting the administration’s commitment to improving access to basic amenities.
The administration has also strengthened its governance structure through the appointment and inauguration of elected councillors, Supervisory Councillors and Special Advisers to support grassroots representation, policy implementation and effective service delivery.
Environmental sanitation has received considerable attention, with over 100 ad-hoc workers engaged to support waste management, routine cleaning and general environmental sanitation across the local government.
On infrastructure development, the administration has commenced a Public-Community-Private Partnership (PCPP) road project along the Awovu–Osili axis in Enugwu Ukwu. An assessment of Ezi Norbert Road has also been conducted as part of efforts to identify infrastructure needs and explore possible interventions.
Security has equally featured prominently in the administration’s first-month activities. Adopting a zero-tolerance stance towards insecurity, the council has mounted CCTV cameras at strategic locations to strengthen surveillance and improve security monitoring.
In a grassroots-driven security initiative, local traders and street operators have also been engaged as Community Safety Marshals. Equipped with walkie-talkies, the marshals are expected to serve as additional sources of community security intelligence, promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities to the appropriate authorities.
These initiatives represent some of the administration’s early efforts to address longstanding challenges while laying the groundwork for sustained development across Njikoka’s six communities.
Speaking through its first-month performance record, the administration maintains that its focus remains on practical governance, improved public services, environmental responsibility, infrastructure development and a safer community.
Although the administration is still in its early days, its first 30 days have provided an indication of its immediate priorities and development direction.
For residents of Njikoka, the expectation will now be to see these initial interventions translated into sustainable projects, measurable improvements and lasting impact across the local government.
Thirty days down, more work ahead. Njikoka First.
The Federal Government has released guidelines explaining how Nigerians selected for its N50,000 relief grant can confirm their eligibility, accept the offer, access the funds and withdraw the money.
The government also warned beneficiaries against fraudsters seeking to exploit the intervention by demanding money or sensitive personal information.
The National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI) is designed to support vulnerable households struggling with rising living costs.
The programme, managed by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, provides a one-off grant of N50,000 to selected beneficiaries through mobile wallets operated by five approved payment providers.
According to the frequently asked questions published on the programme’s website and sighted by PUNCH Online on Thursday, the grant is not a loan, requires no repayment and can be accessed without a smartphone or internet connection.
Here are the key things Nigerians need to know about the programme.
1. Who qualifies for the N50,000 grant?
The government said beneficiaries were selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records.
It explained that individuals cannot apply directly or pay anyone to secure a place on the beneficiary list.
Selection is based on need, with beneficiaries drawn from the six geopolitical zones, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
The government also clarified that payments would be made in phases, meaning not everyone would receive a notification at the same time.
2. How can you check if you are eligible?
Selected beneficiaries will receive SMS notifications from one of the five approved payment providers: ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.
The messages will confirm their selection and provide a USSD code to dial to accept the grant.
Beneficiaries can also dial their assigned provider’s USSD code and select the eligibility-check option to confirm their status.
Those who are not selected will receive a notification informing them that they are currently not eligible for the relief support.
3. How do beneficiaries claim the N50,000?
Recipients are required to dial the USSD code contained in the notification from their payment provider and follow the instructions.
The process activates a mobile wallet, after which the N50,000 is credited and a confirmation SMS is sent.
The government stressed that receiving a selection message does not automatically mean the money has been paid. Beneficiaries must first accept the offer.
Those who mistakenly reject the offer can dial the code again and select the acceptance option.
4. Can people without smartphones receive the grant?
Yes. The government said beneficiaries do not need smartphones or internet access to receive the money.
A basic mobile phone is sufficient because the USSD codes work without an internet connection.
However, customers of OPay, Moniepoint and MoMo PSB can also use their providers’ official mobile applications to access their wallets and carry out transactions.
5. How can beneficiaries withdraw the money?
Beneficiaries can withdraw their funds through Point of Sale agents by transferring money from their mobile wallets and collecting cash.
Each approved payment provider also offers alternative withdrawal and transfer options.
The available USSD codes include:
- ALAT: Dial 94523Account NumberAmount# to transfer funds.
- MoMo PSB: Dial 6710# or use the MoMo NG application.
- NairaGram: Dial 72600#.
- OPay: Dial 95520# or use the OPay application.
- Moniepoint: Dial 557327# or use the Moniepoint application.
Beneficiaries can withdraw the entire N50,000 or take only part of it, leaving the balance in their wallets.
They can also transfer the money to personal bank accounts or other beneficiaries through the available channels.
6. Are there charges for receiving the grant?
The government said accepting the grant, receiving the money and responding to programme SMS notifications are free.
However, POS operators may charge their usual withdrawal fees when beneficiaries collect cash.
Recipients are therefore advised to confirm the applicable charges before completing transactions.
7. What if you have not received an SMS?
The government explained that payments were being made in phases, with payment providers contacting beneficiaries in batches.
Therefore, not receiving an SMS does not necessarily mean an individual has been permanently excluded.
Interested persons can check their eligibility through their assigned provider’s USSD code.
The government, however, warned that nobody could add an individual to the beneficiary list or accelerate payment in exchange for money.
8. How can beneficiaries avoid fraud?
The government warned Nigerians against individuals claiming they could help them secure or release the N50,000 grant for a fee.
It stressed that programme officials and payment providers would never request beneficiaries’ PINs, one-time passwords or Bank Verification Numbers.
Genuine messages will come only from the official sender names of the five approved payment providers and will not contain links.
Beneficiaries were also advised against clicking unfamiliar links, downloading unknown applications or forwarding WhatsApp messages claiming that sharing them would guarantee access to the grant.
The government further warned recipients not to refund money to anyone claiming that the payment was made in error. Such claims should first be verified through the provider’s official customer service channels.
9. What happens if you lose your phone or SIM card?
Beneficiaries who lose their phones or SIM cards should immediately contact their payment providers to secure their wallets.
They should also obtain replacement SIM cards bearing the same phone numbers from their network operators.
The government assured beneficiaries that their money would remain in their mobile wallets even if they lost their phones or SIM cards.
10. What should beneficiaries do if their USSD codes stop working?
The programme advised beneficiaries to check their network signals and retry if their USSD codes fail.
If the problem persists, they should contact their payment providers through their official customer service channels.
The following helplines were provided:
- ALAT by Wema: 0803 900 3700
- MoMo PSB: 671 or 0803 106 7100
- NairaGram: 0201 330 0880 or 0201 330 0881
- OPay: 0700 888 8328 or 0201 888 8328
- NERSI programme: 0700-022-2222
Enquiries concerning mobile wallets and payments should be directed to the respective providers, while questions about the intervention can be addressed to the programme’s helpline.
11. Which organisations are authorised to disburse the grant?
The Federal Government identified five approved payment providers for the N50,000 intervention.
They are ALAT, the digital banking platform of Wema Bank; MoMo PSB, a licensed Payment Service Bank; NairaGram, a digital money transfer service; OPay, a licensed mobile money operator; and Moniepoint, a licensed microfinance bank.
Beneficiaries were advised to deal only with their assigned providers and use official channels for enquiries and transactions.
The government reiterated that beneficiaries do not need to pay anyone, click external links or download unfamiliar applications to access the grant.
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