Business
Tariff hike: NLC declares three-hour daily boycott of telecomms services
Tariff hike: NLC declares three-hour daily boycott of telecomms services
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to major telecommunications companies, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, threatening a total nationwide shutdown of their operations if the recently implemented 50 percent tariff hike is not reversed by the end of February 2025.
In a communiqué after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday, the NLC directed Nigerian workers and citizens to commence a daily boycott of services provided by these telecom giants between 11am and 2pm, effective today.
Signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the communiqué condemned the sudden tariff hike as a betrayal of trustand an affront to the Nigerian people.
The Congress noted that the tariff increase was implemented despite an earlier agreement between the telecom companies, the Federal Government, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which had set up a 10-man committee to review the proposed tariff adjustments and submit recommendations within two weeks.
However, the telecom operators proceeded with the hike before the committee’s report was finalised, a move the NLC described as an act of bad faith and corporate arrogance.
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The NLC also called on all Nigerians to suspend the purchase of data from MTN, Airtel, and Glo, stating that data services have become one of the key tools through which these companies exploit Nigerian consumers.
In addition to demanding the immediate reversal of the tariff hike, the Congress further demanded the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these telecom companies.
“The CWC demands an immediate reversal of the tariff hike, which took effect today, and insists that the companies revert to the previous tariff until the committee completes its deliberations and reaches a conclusive agreement.
“As a first step in resisting this arbitrary tariff hike, the CWC has directed that, beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, Nigerian workers and other willing citizens shall boycott the services of MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the end of February 2025.
“All workers and citizens are urged to suspend the purchase of Data from these companies which has also become one of their greatest tools tor exploiting Nigeria
“We also demand the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies.
“If the telecommunications companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide will commence from all NLC State Councils are directed to commence immediate sensitization and mobilization of their members and the general public within their jurisdictions,” it stated.
The NLC urged civil society organisations, student groups, and the general public to support the boycott as a demonstration of solidarity against economic hardship.
On Tuesday, MTN began implementing the 50 per cent tariff hike as approved by the NCC, with other operators expected to follow suit shortly.
However, the House of Representatives directed the telecom regulator and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to halt the tariff increase, citing concerns about the impact on citizens who are already grappling with inflation and hardship.
Despite this directive, investigation by Daily Sun showed that MTN’s data subscription packages still reflect the increased rates.
Tariff hike: NLC declares three-hour daily boycott of telecomms services
Business
MTN, Airtel to share network infrastructure in Nigeria
MTN, Airtel to share network infrastructure in Nigeria
Airtel Africa has partnered with MTN Group to expand digital inclusion by sharing network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria.
In a statement in Lagos on Wednesday, Airtel said the sharing agreements aim to improve network cost efficiencies, expand coverage, and provide enhanced mobile services to millions of customers.
A sharing agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more parties to share resources, assets, or services.
According to the telecommunications company, the partnership will benefit customers in remote and rural areas who do not yet fully enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life.
Airtel assured that both parties will ensure the agreement complied with local regulatory and statutory requirements.
Sunil Taldar, chief executive officer (CEO) of Airtel Africa, said telecommunications companies are driving digital financial inclusion by building common infrastructure within the regulatory framework.
Taldar noted that the collaborative approach not only advances digital transformation and financial inclusion but also reduces the duplication of expensive infrastructure.
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As a result, Taldar said operational efficiencies are boosted, ultimately benefiting customers.
He further said telecoms continue to compete fiercely in the market, differentiating themselves through their brand, services, and offerings.
“The initiative is part of a growing global trend toward network sharing. By collaborating, telecoms operators can explore innovative and pro-competitive solutions to improve service quality while managing costs more effectively,” Taldar said.
“The sharing of infrastructure has the potential to enable the delivery of world-class, reliable mobile services to more and more customers across Africa.”
Taldar added that following the conclusion of agreements in Uganda and Nigeria, MTN and Airtel Africa are also exploring various opportunities in other markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia.
Ralph Mupita, MTN Group CEO, said there is a need to invest in coverage and capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity to meet customers’ increasing demands.
“As MTN, we are driven by the vision of delivering digital solutions that drive Africa’s progress,” Mupita said.
“We continue to see strong structural demand for digital and financial services across our markets.
“To meet this demand, we continue to invest in coverage and capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity for our customers.”
Mupita added that there are opportunities within regulatory frameworks for sharing resources to drive higher efficiencies and improve returns.
MTN, Airtel to share network infrastructure in Nigeria
Business
NNPCL in historic initial public offer, ready for capital market
NNPCL in historic initial public offer, ready for capital market
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced that it is in the final stages of preparation for its much-anticipated listing on the capital market, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
The company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the Chief Finance and Investor Relations Officer, Olugbenga Oluwaniyi, revealed the development during a consultative meeting with partners at the NNPC headquarters.
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He stated that NNPCL is currently engaging with potential investors through an exercise called the “NNPC Ltd. IPO Beauty Parade,” which aligns with capital market regulations ahead of its Initial Public Offer (IPO).
“According to the CFIO, the aim of the IPO Beauty Parade is to access potential partners and determine in what ways they could be of support to the company,” the statement explained.
The statement further highlighted that NNPCL is seeking partnerships in three key areas: Investor Relations, IPO Readiness Advisors, and Investment Banking Partners. Companies with the most competitive offers will be selected for each category.
An IPO is a public offering in which a company’s shares are sold to institutional investors. Under the PIA, NNPCL is required to list its shares on the capital market in compliance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 1990.
NNPCL in historic initial public offer, ready for capital market
Business
Naira rises to N1,560/$ in parallel market
Naira rises to N1,560/$ in parallel market
The Naira yesterday appreciated to N1, 560 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,570 per dollar on Wednesday. But the Naira depreciated to N1,540 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).
Data published by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, showed that the indicative exchange rate for the naira rose to N1,540 per dollar from N1,539 per dollar on Wednesday, indicating N1 depreciation for the naira.
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