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Labour Unions Threaten Shutdown of NCC, MTN, Glo Over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike
Over a month after the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Organized Labour reached an agreement to reduce the telecommunications tariff increase from 50% to 35%, there has been no official implementation of the promised 15% reduction. Meanwhile, telecom operators have proceeded with the full 50% tariff hike, reflecting the increase in their pricing structures without any indication of a rollback.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Earlier, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had pressured the Federal Government and NCC to reconsider the tariff hike, citing the economic strain on Nigerians. Following threats by the NLC to disrupt telecom operations, the government and NCC initially agreed to a partial reduction, bringing the hike down to 35%.
To address the matter, a 10-member committee was established, comprising five representatives each from the government and the NLC. This committee was tasked with reviewing the tariff increase and submitting a report within two weeks. On February 21, 2025, members convened at the office of the National Security Adviser, where a three-hour deliberation resulted in a consensus to implement the 15% reduction. An official announcement was expected on February 22 but has yet to be made.
Growing frustrated by the delay, NLC leaders suspect they have been misled and are planning decisive action against the NCC and telecommunications operators. According to sources within the NLC, a date for the industrial action has been set, though details remain undisclosed.
A senior NLC official stated, “We have been mobilizing since last week. The date for the protest against the NCC and telecom operators is fixed, but we are withholding it for now. We believed the issue was resolved over a month ago, but it appears we have been deceived. We are now ready to take action.”
On February 12, 2025, the NLC expressed its displeasure over the tariff hike, which contradicted the earlier agreement with the government and NCC. The union demanded an immediate reversal and warned of a nationwide shutdown of telecom operations if the tariff was not reverted to previous rates by the end of February.
As part of their protest, the NLC directed workers and citizens to boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. throughout February. In a communiqué issued after their Central Working Committee meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, on February 11, the NLC labeled the telecom firms as “exploitative” and urged Nigerians to halt data purchases from these providers. The statement, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, instructed NLC state councils and union affiliates to mobilize and educate the public on the issue.
The situation remains tense, with the possibility of widespread disruptions in the telecommunications sector should the NLC proceed with its planned action.
Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 19 kidnapped residents and neutralised a suspected bandit during a coordinated security operation in Gidan Dogo, Bwari Area Council, within the Federal Capital Territory.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The mission was launched following credible intelligence on the hideouts of terrorists responsible for recent abductions in the Byazhin area of Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Olawuyi Itunuoluwa, soldiers from the 7 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, conducted a search-and-rescue operation that successfully freed the kidnapped victims.
The troops encountered the criminals during the operation, resulting in a gunfight. The statement explained, “Troops of the 7 Guards Battalion, Guards Brigade, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, successfully rescued 19 kidnapped victims during a coordinated search and rescue operation. During the operation, troops engaged the bandits, neutralising one criminal while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds.”
Further searches of the area led to the recovery of weapons believed to have been used by the suspects, including an AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated firearm.
Security sources told Punch that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks operating in and around the nation’s capital.
Commander of the Guards Brigade, Adebisi Onasanya, commended the troops and collaborating security agencies for their bravery and professionalism, reiterating the brigade’s commitment to protecting residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
He stated that the Guards Brigade remains “resolute and fully committed to safeguarding residents of the Federal Capital Territory and protecting Abuja as the nation’s seat of power.”
The Army assured residents that troops would continue aggressive patrols and security operations to prevent further attacks, intensify collaboration with other security agencies, and eliminate threats of terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in the territory and its environs.
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to Nollywood actress Sarah Martins to stop cooking and distributing food on public roads, cautioning that she faces arrest and prosecution if the practice continues.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The directive came on Saturday from the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a public statement addressed to the actress.
While acknowledging Martins’ charitable intentions toward vulnerable residents, Wahab stressed that cooking or trading on public infrastructure—including roads, walkways, and medians—violates Lagos State’s environmental and public order laws.
“Although we appreciate the spirit of charity and compassion behind your actions, carrying out such activities on public roads, walkways, or medians is not permitted under Lagos environmental and public order regulations,” Wahab said. He explained that these practices pose safety, sanitation, and traffic risks.
The commissioner also noted that Martins had previously been cautioned over similar actions last year but had resumed the activity. He urged her to redirect her humanitarian efforts to approved platforms and locations.
“You were previously cautioned about this same issue due to the understanding of its philanthropic intention. I strongly advise you to desist from street cooking or similar activities in public spaces to avoid apprehension and prosecution,” Wahab said. “If you wish to continue your charitable outreach, it should be done through proper channels and designated locations to support vulnerable people without violating the law or creating environmental hazards.”
Wahab further emphasized that Lagos State expects all residents and visitors to comply with its laws, stating, “We expect everyone to be law-abiding in Lagos, just as they would be in any other well-regulated city.”
The warning follows recent videos showing Martins cooking and distributing food on Lagos streets, which drew significant public attention. This is not the first incident; in October 2025, officials from the Kick Against Indiscipline task force apprehended Martins while she was cooking on a road median in Lekki, seizing her cooking equipment. Footage of the encounter circulated online, showing her distressed and holding a hand she said was burned by hot oil, sparking mixed reactions.
The controversy also involved Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, after Martins claimed she received ₦20 million from his office to support her charity. Seyi Tinubu later clarified that the funds were raised by friends moved by her humanitarian work, and he stressed he did not support any actions that violate Lagos State laws.
The state government has consistently defended its enforcement measures, maintaining that Martins’ activities on public roads were unauthorized and breached environmental and sanitation regulations.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reiterated that Eba Island is part of Ondo State, stressing that there is no conflict with Ogun State over the oil deposits in the area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking with journalists at the Government House in Akure interactions with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun have been cordial, with no confrontation. He mentioned that Abiodun sometimes jokingly suggested sharing the oil well to make Ogun an oil-producing state.
“The location of mineral resources is determined by nature, not humans. It is God’s deposit. From historical and administrative records, the area clearly belongs to Ondo State,” he said.
The dispute arose after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved drilling at an abandoned oil well on Eba Island, prompting contrasting claims from both states. Ogun State officials, including the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, assert the island lies within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, a position supported by local traditional rulers.
Ondo State, however, maintains ownership. Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Kayode Ajulo, described the renewed claims by Ogun as “astonishing,” citing historical and administrative records confirming Eba Island as part of Ondo. Ajulo explained that his research, including archival studies in the UK, consistently identified the island as integral to Atijere in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
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