Economy
Reps Demand Immediate Suspension Of 50% Hike In Telecoms Tariff

Reps Demand Immediate Suspension Of 50% Hike In Telecoms Tariff
Reps demand immediate suspension of 50% hike in telecoms tariff. Following a motion of urgent national importance by a member, Oboku Oforji, the House of Representatives on Tuesday called for the immediate suspension of the 50% hike in telecoms tariff.
The House also decried the poor service delivery from telecom operators and insisted that an increase in tariff should not happen until service improves.
The lawmakers ordered the NCC and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, to suspend the tariff increase because of the economic hardship in the country.
This was as telecommunications operators in the country began the implementation of the new tariff regime earlier approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Many subscribers on social media who used the services of telecoms operators on Tuesday observed about 50% increase in the cost of calls, data and text messages. As of December 2023, Nigeria has over 224 million subscribers, according to official data by the regulator.
MTN boasts of over 87 million subscribers, representing 38.79% of the total market share, the highest in the country by any licensed Mobile Network Operator (MNO). Globacom and Airtel have 61 million subscribers each while 9mobile has 13.9 million users.
Earlier in January, the NCC said telephone subscribers in Nigeria would pay more for data and airtime as it approved a 50% tariff increase for telecoms operators in the country.
A spokesman for the regulator Reuben Muoka had said the price adjustment though lower than the “over 100% requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability”.

Telecoms
The regulator had said the increase was pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators.
Also, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had threatened an industrial action, demanding a reversal of the hike but the labour unions aborted their rallies after last-minute talks with government representatives.
Economy
Borno Governor Babagana Zulum Distributes Vehicles, 280 Housing Units To Security Agencies

Borno Governor Babagana Zulum Distributes Vehicles, 280 Housing Units To Security Agencies
Borno governor Babagana Zulum distributes vehicles, 280 housing units to security agencies. Mr Zulum said the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Friday, launched the distribution of 110 operational vehicles, 500 motorcycles, and 280 housing units to security agencies in Borno.
The initiative, led by Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum, aims to enhance security operations and improve the welfare of security personnel across the state.
Speaking at the Government House in Maiduguri, the IGP praised the governor for his continued support, describing him as a “performing governor” committed to tackling insecurity in the North East.
“This massive support will undoubtedly boost our operational efficiency. These assets will enhance response capacity, improve patrol operations, and ultimately strengthen security across the state.”
The IGP assured that the newly provided assets would be deployed immediately to reinforce security efforts across Borno.
“These operational assets, including 110 vehicles and 500 motorcycles, will significantly improve our ability to respond swiftly to threats, conduct patrols, and protect communities,” Mr Egbetokun said.
He reiterated the police force’s commitment to ensuring these resources are effectively used for the safety and security of Borno’s residents.
In his address, Mr Zulum said the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture.
“Today marks another significant step in our unwavering efforts to support security agencies in Borno state,” Mr Zulum said.
He explained that the vehicles and housing allocations were designed to improve mobility, enhance response time, and boost operational capacity in the fight against insecurity.
He emphasised that security remained the foundation for Borno’s recovery and development, pledging continued collaboration with security agencies.
“Without security, our efforts in rebuilding Borno will not yield the desired results. By supporting security forces, we invest in force multipliers and operational effectiveness,” he said.
Mr Zulum also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in supporting security operations across the country, particularly in Borno.
“We appreciate the Federal Government under President Tinubu’s leadership for its continued support to security agencies working tirelessly to safeguard lives and property,” he said.

Zulum
The Nigeria Police Force will receive 60 of the 110 vehicles, while the Nigerian military will be allocated 50 vehicles and 500 motorcycles.
Additionally, the police will receive 220 housing units at Mai Mala Buni Estate, 20 at Kashim Shettima Estate, and another 40 at Wulari, all in Maiduguri.
Senior security officials attended the ceremony, including the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, as well as top police, military, and paramilitary officers.
Economy
Nasarawa Government Urges Communities To Protect Water Facilities Against Vandalism

Nasarawa Government Urges Communities To Protect Water Facilities Against Vandalism
Nasarawa government urges communities to protect water facilities against vandalism. Mr Muluku said Gov. Abdullahi Sule was willing and ready to tackle water challenges in the state.
The Nasarawa state government has urged communities to adequately protect and guard the water facilities in their domains against vandalism.
Mohammed Muluku, the commissioner for water resources and rural development, made the call on Friday in Akwanga.
Mr Muluku made the call during an on-the-spot assessment of water facilities in Nasarawa South and Nasarawa North senatorial districts.
The commissioner said that the visit to water facilities was aimed at identifying conditions of water facilities across the state, with a view to providing solutions for improved water supply.
“The aim of touring water facilities is to identify areas of decay and to develop strategies to boost portable water supply in the state.
“With the support of the general manager, Nasarawa State Water Board and my permanent secretary, we are going to identify the problems of water challenges.
“We will report back to the Gov. Abdullahi Sule, who is a willing and listening governor that will tackle the plights of the people.
“This is in line with the saying that ‘he who provides water provides life’. Noting that no human can survive without water,” he said.
According to him, communities should jealously protect and guard water facilities projects in their domains, as they are the end users.
Mr Muluku said Gov. Abdullahi Sule was willing and ready to tackle water challenges in the state.
This, he said, was to ensure a constant supply of portal water in the state.
On his part, Ahmed Abubakar-Kana, general manager, Nasarawa State Water Board, appreciated the new commissioner for touring water facilities across the state.

Nasarawa
He also thanked Mr Sule for prioritising water supply to communities in the state.
The general manager assured the commissioner of the board’s continued commitment to provide potable water to the people of the state.
The commissioner and his team visited state-owned water facilities in Keana, Obi, Awe, Nassarawa Eggon, Wamba and Akwanga Local Government Areas.
The team also visited the Emir of Awe, Isa Abubakar II, and the Oriye Rindre of Wamba, Justice Lawal Nagogo (Retd), for royal blessings and prayers.
Economy
Rivers State Assembly Passes 3 Bills, Adjourns Plenary Indefinitely

Rivers State Assembly Passes 3 Bills, Adjourns Plenary Indefinitely
Rivers state assembly passes 3 bills, adjourns plenary indefinitely. The governor had earlier written to the House on Thursday, requesting to present the state budget on March 19.
The Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday passed three bills into law before immediately proceeding on an indefinite recess.
The bills include the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, and the Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025.
Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, announced the passage of the bills during a plenary session in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The Powers and Privileges Bills seeks to grant the state lawmakers the authority, privilege and immunity necessary to carry out their legislative duties.
The RSIEC Bill aims to repeal the RSIEC Bill Law No. 2 of 2018, thereby redefining the establishment, composition, and functions of the commission.
The Rivers State Local Government Bill 2025 seeks to repeal the existing Local Government Laws of 2018, 2023, and 2024.
The deputy leader of the House, Lynda Somiari-Stewart, concluded the debate on the three committee reports before their final passage, having scaled the third reading.
Following the passage of the bills, Mr Amaewhule adjourned plenary indefinitely, effectively preventing Gov Sim Fubara from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

Rivers Assembly Complex
The governor had earlier written to the House on Thursday, requesting to present the state budget on March 19, following two previous failed attempts to meet with the lawmakers.
It remains uncertain whether the indefinite plenary adjournment is a deliberate attempt to further delay the budget presentation, despite the directive by the Supreme Court.
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