News
Telcos tariff hike: Reps demand reversal as new pricing begins
The House of Representatives on Tuesday directed the telecom regulator and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to suspend the tariff increase, arguing that Nigerians cannot afford higher telecom costs amid rising inflation and the removal of fuel subsidies.
The tariff hike, which had been cleared by the NCC, was scheduled to take effect nationwide starting Monday. While MTN, the country’s largest telecommunications provider, had already started implementing the revised rates as of Tuesday, other key players—Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile—had yet to release their new pricing structure.
A senior MTN executive, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, confirmed the development. “Yes, we’ve started updating our price lists. However, this process is gradual, and we haven’t completed it for all products yet.”
The tariff adjustment primarily affects MTN data plans. For example, the 1.5GB monthly plan, previously priced at N1,000, has now been replaced with a 1.8GB plan costing N1,500.
Similarly, the 15GB plan has increased from N4,500 to N6,500, while the 20GB plan now costs N7,500, up from N5,500. Larger data bundles have seen even steeper hikes, with the 1.5 terabyte 90-day plan increasing from N150,000 to N240,000, and the 600GB 90-day plan rising from N75,000 to N120,000.
The source added, “From tomorrow (Wednesday), prices of other MTN products will be adjusted. We are doing it in phases. Not all the prices went up, some didn’t change, some are still below 50 per cent.”
A senior official at Globacom, who was not authorised to speak on the matter, confirmed that while the company had not yet rolled out the new tariffs, there was a possibility of an update before the close of business on Tuesday.
An executive at Airtel, who also spoke under the condition of anonymity, indicated that the tariff hike had been implemented across the industry.
“As far as I know, every operator has commenced. This is an industry-wide decision, not an operator decision. Our prices have never been uniform, and the decision was made collectively on Monday. Every operator must have begun, even if the rollout is not yet fully completed,” the executive said.u
The House of Representatives intervention came after a motion of urgent public importance was raised by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party from Bayelsa State, Oboku Oforji during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The motion, titled “Need for the Nigerian Communications Commission not to approve the impending hike in the telecommunications tariffs,” sought to halt the tariff increase.
Oforji argued that while telecommunications companies justified the tariff hike by citing rising operational costs and the need for improved service delivery, the timing was particularly problematic given the economic hardship many Nigerians face.
He noted that inflation, which hit a record 34.6 per cent in November 2024, and the removal of fuel subsidies had already placed significant financial strain on citizens.
“The House is aware that telecom operators have been advocating for this hike for over eleven years,” Oforji said.
“However, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the proposed increase, describing it as insensitive and a further burden on consumers who are already grappling with economic challenges and poor network service delivery.”
Oforji emphasised that the telcos must first address long-standing issues related to poor network service before implementing a price increase. He warned that the tariff hike would only exacerbate financial struggles for many Nigerians, deepening poverty and widening inequalities.
He further argued that small businesses “which rely heavily on affordable telecommunication for operations, marketing, and customer engagement, will face additional financial burden.”
Oforji said, “It is estimated that a 10 per cent increase in telecommunications costs would reduce small business profitability up to 7 per cent, potentially leading to the closure of businesses.”
Another lawmaker from Edo State, Billy Osawaru, called on the service providers to first improve the quality of their services before coming up with a hike in tariff.
“Why is it that when things go wrong in this country, the poor people must suffer? First, it was the electricity tariff, now it is the turn of the telecom companies. Nigerians must enjoy these services.
“In the developed world, people are not used to carrying two mobile phones but this is the practice here. The thinking is if there is no service in one, you might be lucky with the other one. I believe that this increase in tariff should wait until services improve,” he said.
Industry stakeholders, particularly the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, have defended the tariff increase, arguing that it is vital for the long-term sustainability of the sector.
The Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo highlighted that sustained underinvestment in the telecommunications sector could lead to an irreparable decline in services.
“I understand that a price review is necessary for the survival of the telecom sector,” Adebayo said on a call. “None of us can afford to see this sector collapse.
The inability to recover investments in the telecom industry has made sustainability increasingly difficult. When there is prolonged underinvestment, it becomes virtually impossible to recover.”
While acknowledging the public’s concerns about inflation and the high cost of data, Adebayo stressed that the tariff hike was driven by the urgent need to keep the industry afloat.
He expressed confidence that lawmakers, after fully assessing the situation, would come to understand the necessity of the adjustment.
“The public’s concerns are valid, but this tariff increase is essential for sustaining the sector,” he said.
The NCC announced the tariff hike on January 20, citing rising operational costs and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications sector.
The commission, through its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, underscored that the decision aligns with its regulatory mandate under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
However, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers voiced its opposition, threatening legal action against the approved tariff increase. NATCOMS argued that the hike be reversed to 10 per cent.
The Nigeria Labour Congress had also kicked against the increase, calling for the hike to be reversed to five per cent. The union led by its President, Joseph Ajaero threatened a protest on February 4, 2025, which eventually did not hold due to several interventions.
Enugu Govt Dismisses Viral UNN Attack Alert, Moves to Track Perpetrator
The Enugu State Government has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media post alleging an imminent terrorist attack on the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), assuring students, staff, and residents that there is no credible security threat to the institution.
The government described the post as the handiwork of criminal elements seeking to create panic, fear, and confusion within the university community and across the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Malachy Agbo, said the government had taken note of the viral message warning of a possible attack by individuals described as terrorists and jihadists.
According to him, investigations indicate that the alarm is false and part of a deliberate attempt by criminal elements and their collaborators to undermine public confidence in the state’s security efforts.
Agbo recalled that similar false alerts had been circulated in the past concerning locations such as Holy Ghost, Obollo Afor, Opi, Nsukka, Gariki, Awgu, and other parts of the state. He noted that those behind previous misinformation campaigns often operated anonymously and recycled old videos to create the impression of ongoing attacks.
He added that many of the perpetrators of the earlier false alarms were eventually identified and apprehended by security agencies.
The commissioner disclosed that the state government is already working closely with security agencies to track down those responsible for the latest viral post and ensure they face the consequences of their actions.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to public safety, Agbo said the government had continued to invest heavily in modern security infrastructure and technology to strengthen security operations across the state.
He stressed that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority of the administration of Peter Mbah, noting that recent investments have significantly improved the capacity and responsiveness of security agencies operating in the state.
The government therefore urged members of the UNN community, residents of Nsukka, and the general public to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear, assuring them that adequate measures are in place to guarantee their safety.
It further reiterated its resolve to sustain efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security across Enugu State while taking decisive action against individuals who spread false information capable of causing public panic.
The Methodist Church Nigeria has honoured the General Manager of the Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Hon. Monday Diamond Ani, with the prestigious “Apostle of Faith Award” in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian services and contributions to community development.
The award was presented by the Methodist Diocese of Akegbe, Aninri and Awgu Archdiocese (AAA) under the leadership of Rt. Rev. C. Orji, the Methodist Bishop of AAA Diocese, Enugu.
According to the Church, the honour was bestowed on Hon. Ani in acknowledgment of his selfless commitment to community development, social welfare, and humanitarian service over the years. The Church noted that his contributions have transcended political considerations and have positively impacted countless lives across communities.
His consistent humanitarian interventions have earned him the popular title “Odoziobodo”, meaning “one who builds and restores communities.”
Hon. Ani is widely regarded as a passionate advocate for community service, driven by a desire to improve living standards and promote love, unity, and a sense of
belonging among the people. His dedication reflects Christ’s teaching on the greatest commandment—love for God and love for one’s neighbour—placing service to humanity at the centre of purposeful living.
Due to his unavoidable absence, the award was received on his behalf and later presented to him at his office by Dr. Okechukwu Animba, Vice President (South-East) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
Responding to the honour, Hon. Ani expressed profound gratitude to Rt. Rev. C. Orji and the entire Methodist Diocese for recognising his humanitarian efforts. He prayed for God’s continued grace and strength to serve humanity and touch more lives through his work.
He also appreciated his principal, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for appointing him to lead the CSDA, an agency charged with driving community interventions and sustainable development across the state.
When the Enugu State House of Assembly adopted the report of its Special Committee on Land Matters and Disputes in 2024, many observers described it as a watershed moment in the long-running controversy surrounding the Centenary City land in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
The report attracted national attention because it tackled a dispute that had generated numerous court cases, allegations of intimidation, destruction of property, community unrest, and claims involving some of the most influential figures in the state.
For many residents of Amechi and Obeagu, the Assembly’s intervention provided the first official platform where their grievances appeared to receive impartial consideration. The committee’s findings were widely commended for their detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the acquisition and development of over 1,097 hectares of ancestral land.
At the heart of the controversy was the allegation that Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), operating under a development agreement with the Enugu State Government, relied on questionable documents to assert rights over vast portions of land originally linked to a proposed university project initiated during the administration of former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Jim Nwobodo.
After reviewing submissions from the parties, the Assembly committee identified several inconsistencies in documents connected with the acquisition process. Among its findings were concerns regarding the authenticity of a survey plan purportedly prepared for the “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” in 1985, despite the fact that Enugu State had not yet been created at that time.
Controversial Enugu Centenary Land: A Daniel Has Come To Judgement
The committee also questioned the authenticity of signatures and official endorsements appearing on key documents, including survey records, gazette notices, and correspondences allegedly executed on behalf of traditional authorities in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
Based on these findings, the committee concluded that the host communities had established that they were not properly carried along in the acquisition process and recommended dialogue, compensation, government intervention, and a comprehensive audit of lands developed under the Centenary City project.
At the time, many hailed the report as evidence that the legislature was willing to confront powerful interests in defence of justice and accountability.
Two years later, events appear to have given fresh significance to those findings.
Today, Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited are facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court, Enugu, in connection with the alleged forgery of a survey plan linked to the disputed acquisition of ancestral lands in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
According to the charge sheet in Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, the defendants are accused of conspiring to forge a survey plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” purportedly dated 1985.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants knowingly made or uttered the survey plan as a genuine document despite its alleged falsity. The offences are said to be punishable under relevant provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The criminal charges have drawn renewed attention to the conclusions reached by the Enugu State House of Assembly in 2024, particularly its observations regarding inconsistencies surrounding the same survey plan and related acquisition documents.
The developments have also prompted further advocacy from civil society organisations. The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police to direct the Police Monitoring Unit to take over investigations and prosecutions connected with the dispute, investigate allegations of misconduct against certain police officers, and review criminal proceedings allegedly used for harassment and intimidation.
In a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, RULAAC also urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene in two criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Enugu, citing repeated failures by law enforcement authorities to produce defendants for arraignment.
The cases include Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.
As the criminal proceedings continue, many observers believe the matter has entered a decisive phase. The allegations that were once the subject of community petitions, legislative inquiries and public debate are now before a court of law for determination.
Whether the Assembly’s 2024 report marked the beginning of accountability or merely one chapter in a much longer struggle remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the issues raised by the Amechi and Obeagu communities have not faded away. Instead, they have evolved into a legal test that could shape public confidence in land administration, governance and the rule of law in Enugu State for years to come.
If the legislative findings, criminal investigations and court proceedings ultimately converge on the truth, then many residents may indeed conclude that, at long last, a Daniel has come to judgment.
Son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a letter of remembrance and solidarity written on behalf of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family to the Fajuyi family, marking the 60th anniversary of his death, said July 29, 2026, will be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier they described as “a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.”
The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup.
They stated that Fajuyi, in a defining moment of conscience, chose honour over personal safety and refused to abandon his guest and superior, a decision the family said reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood.
According to the statement, his action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continued to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service.
The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the enduring pain of their loss, while praying for continued strength, comfort, and peace.
The statement further stated, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”
The family called on government institutions, military authorities, and custodians of national memory to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remained a national responsibility to remember and honour.
It urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy continues to challenge the nation to uphold unity, courage, honour, and selfless service.
Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.
Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.
“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”
“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”
Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.
“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .
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