Business
Undersea Cable Cut Causes Major Disruptions: Banks And Telcos Struggle To Restore Services
Undersea Cable Cut Causes Major Disruptions: Banks And Telcos Struggle To Restore Services....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
A significant disruption in broadband internet connectivity, caused by cuts to an undersea cable, has led to operational downsizing for banks and telecommunication companies in Nigeria and neighboring West African countries. Telecom engineers have been dispatched to repair the damaged fiber optic cables between Senegal and Cote D’Ivoire to restore services promptly……..CONTINUE READING
The disruption, first reported in Ghana, quickly spread to other African nations, including Nigeria, impacting banking and other services reliant on internet connectivity. The Nigerian Communications Commission confirmed the disruptions, stating that data and voice services along the West African coast were affected.
MainOne, a key internet provider for Nigerian banks, experienced significant outages due to a major fiber cut, leaving several banks offline and hindering customer transactions. The financial losses incurred are substantial, though exact figures are yet to be determined.
Bank officials have urged customers to utilize alternative channels for transactions, such as ATM points, as network speeds remain sluggish. While some banks have experienced intermittent disruptions, others have managed to maintain stable network operations by swiftly activating backup systems.
Despite efforts to restore services, frustrated customers continue to encounter difficulties accessing essential services, including making phone calls, sending messages, and conducting online banking transactions.
Telecom subscribers and bank customers expressed frustration over the ongoing disruptions, which have hindered their daily activities and business operations. While some have managed to find temporary solutions, such as utilizing fintech apps, others remain stranded without access to essential services.
MTN Nigeria, the most affected telco, is working with partners to repair damaged cables and reroute traffic to mitigate the impact of the disruptions. Other telcos, such as Airtel Africa and 9mobile, have experienced minimal disruptions and are swiftly managing the situation.
Globacom, unaffected by the damage, continues to operate normally, providing uninterrupted services to its subscribers. Licensed customs agents at Nigerian seaports have also faced challenges in making payments due to the disruptions.
In response to the incident, the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria emphasized the importance of locally domiciling contents and investing in localized data centers to reduce the effects of such disruptions in the future. Despite the challenges, efforts are underway to restore services and minimize the impact on businesses and consumers.
The future of Nigeria’s Naira-for-Crude policy remains in limbo as negotiations continue between the Nigerian government and Dangote Refinery. The six-month agreement between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery expired on March 31, 2025, without a renewal, leading to the suspension of the refinery’s sale of refined petroleum products in Naira. However, the refinery has continued processing approximately 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily, with 35% of the crude sourced from international markets, particularly Brazil and Equatorial Guinea.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Although the policy’s future is still under review, sources suggest that its economic implications, especially concerning fuel prices and foreign exchange rates, make it crucial to the national economy. Despite challenges in crude supply from NNPC, Dangote Refinery has expanded its global sourcing and is currently sourcing crude from Brazil’s Petrobras and Equatorial Guinea.
No official agreement has been reached yet to extend the Naira-for-Crude deal. The Nigerian government’s committee in charge of the policy is waiting for recommendations from the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission before proceeding. Meanwhile, the refinery’s management has expressed uncertainty regarding the renewal of the deal, citing concerns over the financial strain and volatility of exchange rates. The future of the policy remains unclear, with NNPC expected to supply crude oil to Dangote Refinery in April, but payment terms are yet to be finalized.
The price of cement, a vital resource for Nigeria’s construction industry, has witnessed significant changes recently, with rates fluctuating depending on brand, location, and market factors. Here is an overview of the current prices for some leading cement brands:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Dangote Cement: The cost of a 50kg bag of Dangote Cement ranges between ₦8,000 and ₦10,300. Known for its high quality, Dangote Cement remains a preferred choice in various construction projects. Prices are generally lower in areas near production plants but tend to rise in regions requiring extensive distribution.
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BUA Cement: Priced between ₦8,000 and ₦8,500 per 50kg bag, BUA Cement is popular among builders due to its competitive pricing and stability. Prices may vary slightly depending on proximity to manufacturing sites.
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Lafarge Water Shield Cement: Priced at ₦20,000 per 50kg bag, this cement variant is specifically formulated for durability and resistance to moisture, making it ideal for projects in damp environments.
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Waterproof Cement JK: Available at ₦15,000 per 50kg bag, Waterproof Cement JK is engineered to offer exceptional protection against water ingress, particularly useful for wet construction sites.
Over the past year, cement prices in Nigeria have surged significantly. At the start of 2024, a 50kg bag cost around ₦4,500. By November 2024, the price rose to about ₦8,500, reflecting an increase of approximately 89%. This upward trend is attributed to factors such as rising production costs, increased demand, and logistical challenges.
Marketers predict a potential further increase in cement prices, emphasizing the need for stakeholders in the construction sector to stay informed and plan accordingly.
A recent survey conducted by Naija News has revealed a notable decrease in the price of cooking gas in Nigeria, offering much-needed relief to households and small businesses. According to the survey, the cost of refilling cooking gas per kilogram has reduced significantly from ₦1,350 to ₦1,020.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
This positive development is expected to ease the financial burden on Nigerian families and small enterprises, especially those that heavily depend on cooking gas as a primary energy source. The survey, encompassing gas stations and vendors from various parts of the country, shows that the reduced price may help lower the overall cost of living.
The revised price breakdown is as follows:
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1 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦1,020
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3 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦3,060
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5 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦5,100
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10 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦10,200
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12.5 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦12,750
This decline marks a significant shift from the previous upward trend in gas prices and is likely to positively impact the economy, particularly the food and hospitality sectors. Businesses that rely on cooking gas will experience reduced operational costs, ultimately boosting their profit margins.
Experts attribute the drop in cooking gas prices to several factors, including fluctuations in global energy costs and adjustments within local supply chains. Despite recent variations in crude oil and natural gas prices, the reduction is perceived as a welcome development for Nigerian consumers.
By spending less on cooking gas, households and small businesses will now see some financial relief in their monthly budgets, especially during these economically challenging times.
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