Senate seeks FG’s immediate intervention to slash data prices - Newstrends
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Senate seeks FG’s immediate intervention to slash data prices

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Senate seeks FG’s immediate intervention to slash data prices

The senate has called on the federal government to take urgent action to address the rising cost of data services in the country.

During Wednesday’s plenary, lawmakers debated a motion sponsored by Asuquo Ekpeyong, senator representing Cross River south, highlighting the financial strain caused by recent hike in data tariffs.

Ekpeyong warned that the surge in data costs was a major setback for young Nigerians who depend on the internet for their livelihoods.

He argued that many young people use digital platforms for freelancing, e-commerce, content creation, and software development, making affordable internet access crucial to their economic survival.

“Telecommunication providers in Nigeria have recently increased the cost of data services by as much as 200%. A move that has placed significant financial strain on millions of Nigerians, especially young people who rely on the internet for their livelihood,” he said.

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“Young Nigerians have embraced the digital economy, leveraging the internet for various income-generating activities including freelancing and remote work, direct marketing and social media management, e-commerce, content creation on various platforms, online training, software development, web design, mobile app creation, content creation of various platforms, online education, etc.

“The senate notes that young Nigerians have embraced the digital economy, leveraging the internet for their livelihood, leaving them heavily dependent on mobile telecommunications companies for internet access, and that the sudden and substantial increase in data cost threatens their economic survival and limits access to critical digital services.

“The senate is further concerned that the reasons provided by telecom providers for the data price hike, including high operational costs of favourable exchanges, are untenable, and appears that instead of addressing the root causes of the high cost of doing business in Nigeria, the burden is being unfairly transferred to end-users.

“Senate is aware that the high cost of doing business in Nigeria is driven by multiple challenges, such as increased operational risk and insurance costs.

“The senate believes that urgent government intervention is required to ensure that affordable internet access remains available to all Nigerians, particularly to the young Nigerians who are at the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy.

“The senate accordingly resolves to urge the federal government to engage with telecommunication providers to review the recent increase in data costs and ensure the pricing remains fair and affordable for all Nigerians.”

The motion was seconded by Titus Zam, senator representing Benue north-west, and received the support of other lawmakers.

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Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra central, criticised not just the rising cost of data but also increases in telecom charges and Pay TV tariffs, accusing regulatory bodies of failing to protect Nigerians.

“If you buy airtime or data, within minutes, you are out of it. Nigerians are suffering so much, and we cannot turn a blind eye,” he said.

Sadiq Umar, senator representing Kwara North, warned that the price hike disproportionately affects young people, who form a significant part of Nigeria’s workforce.

“These service providers must make life easier for young Nigerians, not harder. The government needs to step in before this situation worsens,” he said.

Lawmakers urged the federal government to engage telecom providers to review and reduce the recent increase in data costs.

They also called on the ministry of communications, innovation, and digital economy to develop a policy framework for affordable internet access.

Lawmakers further recommended the creation of tech hubs across the country to provide free or subsidised internet for entrepreneurs, students, and innovators.

They also directed the senate committee on communications to investigate the factors driving high data costs and propose solutions to make the telecom sector more business-friendly.

Following the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a vote, and it was unanimously adopted.

Akpabio praised Ekpeyong for raising the issue, saying the intervention would support young entrepreneurs and ensure fair pricing in the digital economy.

“This motion, when implemented, will assist our young entrepreneurs, not only to remain in business but also to ensure that they have affordable pricing that allows them to generate profits,” he said.

Senate seeks FG’s immediate intervention to slash data prices

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14-Year-Old British-Nigerian Boy, Fatally Shot in London

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Eghosa Ogbebor

14-Year-Old British-Nigerian Boy, Fatally Shot in London

A 14-year-old British-Nigerian boy, identified as Eghosa Ogbebor, has been fatally shot in the Woolwich area of London, prompting a major police investigation and the arrest of three teenagers. The tragic incident has sparked shock and grief in the local community and among the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers responded to reports of a shooting on Lord Warwick Street at around 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, 2 April, near Woolwich Dockyard. Emergency responders attempted to save the boy’s life, but he was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have identified the suspects as two teenage boys aged 14 and 16 and an 18-year-old man, all of whom have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody. Detectives are urging members of the public with information, CCTV footage, or dashcam recordings to come forward to assist with ongoing inquiries.

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Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, leading the investigation, expressed condolences to Eghosa’s family, stating that they are being supported by specialist officers and have requested privacy during this difficult time. She acknowledged the concern the incident has caused across Woolwich and confirmed an increased police presence in the area to reassure residents.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with multiple gunshots heard and panic among pedestrians in the vicinity. The shooting took place near local community areas, heightening the shock and fear among residents.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, condemned the killing and emphasized that “there is absolutely no place for this heartbreaking violence in our city.” He confirmed close collaboration with the police to ensure safety and support for the community.

This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence in London and the urgent need for community-based interventions to prevent such senseless acts. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation and are working to uncover the circumstances that led to the death of the young British-Nigerian boy.

14-Year-Old British-Nigerian Boy, Fatally Shot in London

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Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy, Escape Unhurt

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Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy

Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy, Escape Unhurt

Gunmen on Thursday evening ambushed the convoy of Mouktar Lugga, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Zamfara State, in a brazen attack along the Funtua–Gusau highway.

The incident occurred at about 6:16 p.m. near Kucheri village as Lugga was returning to Gusau from an official engagement in Funtua.

According to security and local sources, the attackers—suspected to be armed bandits—launched a coordinated ambush from both sides of the road, opening heavy gunfire on the convoy in what appeared to be a targeted assault.

The vehicle conveying Lugga, his driver, and two other occupants came under direct attack, with bullets reportedly hitting the windscreen. One of the shots narrowly missed the driver, while another assailant attempted to fire at close range but his weapon malfunctioned.

Despite the intensity of the нападение, the driver maintained control and successfully navigated the vehicle out of the kill zone, preventing what could have been a fatal outcome. All occupants escaped unhurt.

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Security sources said the convoy had minimal escort at the time of the incident, raising concerns about the vulnerability of public officials travelling along high-risk routes in the North-West.

Following the attack, security operatives launched a search operation in surrounding bush areas, while patrols along the Funtua–Gusau corridor were intensified to prevent further incidents.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but government sources confirmed that Lugga is safe and has since returned to base.

The highway where the attack occurred is known for frequent bandit ambushes, kidnappings, and armed robberies, linking parts of Zamfara and Katsina states—two regions heavily affected by criminal gangs.

Security analysts note that such attacks are often carried out by loosely organised armed groups seeking to kidnap high-profile individuals for ransom or to assert territorial control.

The latest incident underscores the persistent insecurity in Zamfara State, despite ongoing military operations and recent deployments aimed at securing major roads and rural communities.

Authorities have urged commuters to exercise caution, avoid night travel where possible, and report suspicious movements to security agencies as efforts continue to restore safety across the region.

Gunmen Attack Zamfara Governor’s Aide Convoy, Escape Unhurt

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NAF Airstrike Destroys Terrorist Enclave, Kills Scores of ISWAP Fighters in Borno

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NAF Airstrike

NAF Airstrike Destroys Terrorist Enclave, Kills Scores of ISWAP Fighters in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counter-insurgency campaign in Nigeria’s North-East, carrying out a precision airstrike that destroyed a terrorist enclave and killed several fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province in Borno State.

The operation targeted Kangarwa in the northern Tumbuns axis—an area long regarded as a stronghold for insurgent groups operating around the Lake Chad basin.

In a statement issued on Friday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, said the strike was conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on April 1 at about 12:05 p.m.

According to him, the mission followed credible intelligence reports indicating increased террорист activity in the area. Subsequent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions confirmed the presence and movement of fighters within the enclave prior to the strike.

“The precision strike was carried out based on credible intelligence, reinforced by earlier ISR missions which confirmed the massing of terrorists and sustained hostile activity within the enclave,” Ejodame said.
“Following positive identification and target confirmation, NAF air assets conducted successive aggressive strike passes, delivering accurate fires on the identified locations.”

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He added that the bombardment obliterated key structures, including command posts and logistics hubs, significantly degrading the operational capacity of the террорист network.

“The strike neutralised scores of fighters, destroyed critical infrastructure, and left the enclave severely degraded, with its operational utility significantly diminished,” he said.

Military sources indicated that Kangarwa serves as a strategic transit and coordination hub for insurgents moving across the Tumbuns and Lake Chad fringes. The destruction of the enclave is expected to disrupt planned attacks and weaken supply chains for fighters in the region.

The NAF spokesman further noted that the operation has created favourable conditions for ground forces to advance and conduct clearance operations, as troops of Operation Hadin Kai continue to sustain pressure on fleeing insurgents.

He stressed that the strike dealt a significant blow to ISWAP elements, particularly affecting their command structure and mobility.

“The operation is assessed to have eliminated several ISWAP fighters with devastating impact, while the enclave’s command and support structure suffered a major setback,” Ejodame stated.

Security analysts say the latest strike highlights improved coordination between air and ground forces, a strategy increasingly adopted by the Nigerian military to dismantle insurgent networks more effectively.

The renewed offensive comes amid sustained efforts by the Armed Forces to clear террорист enclaves across Borno and the wider North-East, where insurgency has persisted for over a decade.

Authorities reaffirmed that air interdiction missions and ground assaults will continue in a bid to eliminate remaining террорист elements and restore lasting stability to affected communities.

NAF Airstrike Destroys Terrorist Enclave, Kills Scores of ISWAP Fighters in Borno

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