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Outrage over telecom tariff hike, NLC backs subscribers showdown with NCC, operators

Published

2 years ago

January 26, 2025

Outrage over telecom tariff hike, NLC backs subscribers showdown with NCC, operators
By Damilola Salawu

Nigerians have expressed widespread anger and frustration over the government’s approval of a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs.
The tariff hike announced on Monday by the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC), which operators initially proposed at 100%, was said to be due to rising operational costs.
This increase has thus pushed the average cost of calls to N16.5 per minute from N11; the cost of 1GB of data to N431.25 from N287.5/GB, and SMS price to N6 from N4.
But for many citizens, this represents yet another burden in an already challenging economic climate. Telecom companies have cited the high cost of fuel, inflation, and foreign exchange difficulties as reasons for the increase, arguing that these factors have significantly raised the cost of maintaining and expanding their infrastructure.
While the government approved only half of the requested increment, the decision has not eased the public outcry.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked Nigerians to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services in protest against the the 50% hike.
For millions of Nigerians, an affordable internet is not just a convenience—it is a necessity. Social media platforms, used widely for relaxation, business, and remote work, have become an integral part of daily life.

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Entrepreneurs, content creators, and small business owners who rely on these platforms to reach customers and generate income fear that the increased tariffs will push them offline. “I run my business on Instagram and WhatsApp,” one small business owner said.
“If data becomes too expensive, how am I supposed to keep my business running? This increase could ruin everything I’ve worked for.”
Remote workers are also concerned. With the rising cost of fuel making commuting unaffordable. Many companies thus have allowed employees to work from home. However, the higher telecom costs could render remote work unfeasible for many.
“This is going to force a lot of us to either spend money we don’t have or risk losing our jobs,” a worker lamented on X, formerly Twitter.

The impact of the tariff increase extends beyond individual households and businesses. Nigeria’s growing digital economy, which has seen significant advancements in fintech, e-commerce, and digital education, is at risk of losing momentum.
Affordable internet access has been a driving force behind Nigeria’s digital progress. The new tariffs, however, threaten to widen the digital divide and make it harder for ordinary Nigerians to participate in the digital economy.
“This decision is a major step backward for Nigeria,” said a tech entrepreneur. “Affordable internet is essential for innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness. Without it, we are stifling progress.”

The outrage over the tariff hike has been loudest on social media, where Nigerians have not held back in criticizing the government and telecom operators.
Comments such as “the government is trying to kill us with these policies” and “how are we supposed to survive if even basic internet becomes unaffordable?” have flooded platforms such as X and Facebook.
Some users pointed out the emotional toll of the increase, with one tweeting, “Social media is my escape from the stress of daily life. Now even that will be out of reach.” Another lamented, “This is more than just about data. It’s about our connection to the world and our ability to live and work.”

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Nigerians are demanding that the government reconsider the tariff hike, emphasizing the severe implications it will have on livelihoods and the economy.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, condemned the tariff hike, describing it as an unjust burden on citizens already grappling with economic challenges. He expressed concern over the timing of the hike, saying it coincides with rising inflation and declining purchasing power.
According to him, telecom services have become a basic necessity as the average Nigerian worker spends approximately 10% of their income on telecom charges.
He said, “This decision, coming at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.
“Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10% of their wages on telecom charges.
“For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means an increase from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month or 15 percent of his salary — a cost that is unsustainable.”
Advocacy groups are calling for policies that protect consumers while addressing the operational challenges faced by telecom operators. Suggestions include subsidizing internet access for low-income households, regulating price increases, and investing in infrastructure to reduce costs for telecom providers.
The government, however, has yet to respond to the growing public discontent, leaving many Nigerians worried about what lies ahead.
For now, the anger and anxiety continue to mount, as citizens face the harsh reality of yet another policy that threatens their financial stability and access to the digital world.
As one X user put it, “This isn’t just about the internet; it’s about our future. If the government doesn’t listen to us, they’re risking more than just our outrage—they’re risking the very progress of our country.”

Outrage over telecom tariff hike, NLC backs subscribers showdown with NCC, operators

Related Topics:Featured NLC tariff hike Telecom

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Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

Published

7 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

A 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, has told the Enugu State Police Command how he allegedly killed his 27-year-old girlfriend, Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, after an argument involving allegations over HIV infection.

Emmanuel gave the account during an interview with the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a video released by the command on Friday.

The police identified Ugwu as a Medical Laboratory Science graduate of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, who had recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

According to Emmanuel, the incident occurred around midnight on September 19, 2026, at his residence in Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.

He said the argument started after he told Ugwu that he could treat people living with hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. Emmanuel alleged that Ugwu then accused him of infecting her with HIV, leading to a heated argument that escalated into a physical confrontation.

The suspect claimed Ugwu picked up a pestle and began hitting him, after which he said he took the object from her and struck her, causing her to collapse.

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Emmanuel further told the police that he subsequently used a machete to inflict injuries on her wrist, head and neck.

The police said the latest investigation revealed that the suspect’s account went beyond the initial allegation that he had used a pestle. According to the command, he also allegedly used a machete during the incident.

After the alleged killing, Emmanuel said he wrapped Ugwu’s body in a black nylon bag and moved it into the toilet of the apartment. He said he then locked the toilet and the master bedroom before leaving.

The remains were later discovered after neighbours reportedly noticed an offensive odour coming from the apartment. The neighbours forced their way inside and found the decomposing body.

Police had earlier said Emmanuel was apprehended by residents and was subsequently rescued from an angry mob before being re-arrested by officers attached to the Awkunanaw Division.

The remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the investigation continued. (Premium Times Nigeria)

During the police interview, Emmanuel also admitted damaging Ugwu’s Samsung phone, saying he feared that it could be used to trace him. He said her iPhone had already been switched off after she complained that it was faulty.

The suspect said he first met Ugwu through Facebook in 2023 and that they resumed their relationship after she returned to Enugu in 2026. He claimed that he intended to marry her and had discussed the relationship with her mother.

Emmanuel also suggested that he was not fully aware of his actions at the time of the incident and appealed for forgiveness and mercy.

However, Ugwu’s family has disputed reports that she was killed simply because of an HIV-related disagreement, insisting that the circumstances surrounding her death require a thorough and independent investigation.

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Her immediate elder sister, Kenechi Maryam, said members of the family were present during an interview involving Emmanuel and the Commissioner of Police. She said the suspect’s accounts about the injuries and weapons allegedly used raised questions that the family wanted investigators to resolve.

According to the family, Emmanuel initially spoke about using a pestle but later mentioned a machete when questioned about injuries to Ugwu’s head and neck.

The family has called on the police, medical personnel and other relevant authorities to establish the actual cause of death, the nature of the injuries and what weapon or object caused them.

The family has also urged journalists and members of the public not to treat the alleged HIV dispute as an established motive until investigators have completed their work. (ThisDay.com.ng)

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has assured Ugwu’s parents and siblings that justice would be served. The command said the victim’s family had been identified and interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

The commissioner has directed investigators to conclude the case and ensure that the suspect is charged to court after the investigation.

The police have also urged members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends of their whereabouts when visiting or spending time with people they know.

The allegations against Emmanuel remain subject to investigation and possible court proceedings, while the circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death have yet to be fully established.

Enugu Man Recounts How HIV Argument Allegedly Led to Girlfriend’s Death

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Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

Published

8 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Arinze Nwogba

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Arinze Nwogba in the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations that he impersonated the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina.

Justice Salim Ibrahim ordered that Nwogba remain in custody pending a ruling on his bail application. The court fixed October 7, 2026, for ruling on the bail request and October 19 for the commencement of trial. (Vanguard News)

The case was brought by the Inspector-General of Police in a six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/612/2026. The charge was dated September 18 and filed on September 21, 2026.

Nwogba, who was arraigned before the court, pleaded not guilty to all six counts.

The police alleged that Nwogba and other suspects still at large fraudulently impersonated the JAMB Registrar in 2026 by using Prof. Aina’s name and photograph on platforms including WhatsApp, Truecaller and LinkedIn.

According to the prosecution, the alleged syndicate used the identity to approach unsuspecting members of the public with purported offers of government and JAMB-related contracts.

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Investigators alleged that the suspects directed prospective victims to communicate through a WhatsApp number and claimed that the Federal Ministry of Education had approved the supply of 200 HP laptops as part of a digitisation programme.

The prosecution further alleged that victims were asked to pay N900,000 as an initial processing or “handshake” fee, with another N3 million allegedly demanded for payments purportedly meant for senior officials in the Ministry of Education.

Police investigations reportedly led to Nwogba’s arrest in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in August.

The prosecution told the court that Nwogba allegedly operated under the name Dr Stephen Igwe and provided bank details to facilitate the alleged transactions.

Investigators also alleged that an Access Bank account linked to a deceased person was provided for the payment of the requested money. Police said Nwogba told investigators that the account belonged to his late nephew, who died in April 2026 and was buried in July.

The police further alleged that Nwogba admitted forwarding the account details to a cousin identified as Nnabuife Nwekpa, whom investigators described as the alleged principal suspect in the operation.

Nwekpa remains at large, according to the prosecution, while efforts are reportedly ongoing to arrest him.

The case followed a petition by the JAMB Registrar concerning the alleged unauthorised use of his identity and photograph to deceive members of the public.

At Friday’s proceedings, Nwogba’s lawyer, Christian Ejike, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms. The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that there was a risk that the defendant could evade trial if released.

The prosecution also told the court that its witnesses and exhibits were ready and that it was prepared to proceed with the case.

Justice Ibrahim, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned the bail ruling to October 7 and fixed October 19 for trial.

The allegations against Nwogba remain before the court, and his plea of not guilty means that the prosecution must prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Court Remands Man Accused of Impersonating JAMB Registrar in Kuje Prison

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Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

Published

9 hours ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa

Police Identify 27-Year-Old NYSC Graduate Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend

The Enugu State Police Command has identified a 27-year-old woman allegedly killed by her boyfriend as Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.

Ugwu, who recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, 30-year-old Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, in Enugu.

The suspect was arrested after the discovery of Ugwu’s remains at his residence in the Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu.

According to the police, the incident allegedly occurred on September 19, 2026. Ugwu’s remains were reportedly discovered after neighbours became suspicious of an offensive odour coming from the suspect’s apartment.

The police said neighbours forced the door open and found the deceased’s remains concealed in the toilet. Emmanuel was reportedly apprehended by residents before police officers arrived and took him into custody.

The command had earlier alleged that an argument between the couple over claims relating to HIV infection preceded the incident. Police said the suspect told investigators that he struck Ugwu on the head with a pestle during the confrontation.

However, the circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation, and the suspect’s account has not been established as fact by a court.

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Ugwu’s remains were reportedly taken to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy as investigators work to establish the circumstances and cause of her death. The police have not announced the outcome of the autopsy.

In a fresh update, the Enugu police command said investigators had established the identity of the deceased and identified her parents and siblings, who were subsequently interviewed as part of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, also met with members of Ugwu’s family and the suspect. The commissioner assured the family that the command would conduct a thorough investigation and pursue justice in accordance with the law.

The family has also reportedly called for a comprehensive investigation, questioning the suggestion that the alleged killing should be attributed solely to an HIV-related disagreement.

The police said Emmanuel has been interviewed by investigators as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ugwu’s death.

The command urged members of the public, particularly women, to remain vigilant in their relationships and when meeting people they know. It advised people to keep trusted relatives or friends informed about their whereabouts and to take warning signs in potentially dangerous situations seriously.

The police said further information would be released as the investigation progresses.