Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani has announced that prices are expected to rise by 30-60 percent.

The revelation comes days after Tijani confirmed that telecom services tariffs would increase, but not by the proposed 100 percent.

Tijani says the telecommunications sector relies heavily on investment to drive Nigeria’s economic growth. He said investors in the sector must continually invest in equipment to remain relevant, despite the challenges posed by inflation.

“The sector is about investment in infrastructure; the technologies are changing, so you have to keep investing in technology. Things like 3G will be decommissioned at some point because you have higher technology, so they have to keep investing in equipment. And we all know that there is inflation. For us, as we are protecting them, we want to keep importing capital in the sector. The foreign direct investment in our sector in the first quarter of 2024, driven by telcos, was close to $199 million; this is bigger than the entire inflow in 2023. We can’t get to a $1 trillion economy if mobile network operators are investing at a snail’s pace,” he stated.

Telecommunication operators have been advocating for approval to increase service tariffs, citing the rising inflation in the country. The implementation of key policies by the present administration, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, has significantly contributed to the increase in economic inflation across Nigeria.

Rejecting telecom operators’ calls for a 100% hike, Dr. Tijani emphasized that a moderate increase would balance affordability and sector growth.

“The telecommunications sector contributes over 16% to our GDP, employs thousands of Nigerians, and is vital to the digital economy. However, we must ensure services remain accessible while sustaining the sector’s viability,” Dr. Tijani explained.

He highlighted that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is leading a data-driven tariff review process, prioritizing consumer interests and long-term sector sustainability.

Addressing rural connectivity, the minister announced plans to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables and construct telecom towers in remote areas through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). He also noted Nigeria’s leadership in managing telecommunications infrastructure resilience, particularly in mitigating submarine cable disruptions.

Dr. Tijani reaffirmed the government’s commitment to harmonizing taxes, declaring telecom infrastructure a critical national asset, and holding operators accountable for service interruptions.

32 Lagos State House of Assembly members impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa yesterday while he was still in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The action, free of infighting, marked the end of Obasa’s eight-year tenure as Speaker.

Obasa who represented Agege Constituency 1 at the House was impeached on Monday by members of the House for offenses bordering on poor leadership style, misconduct, and perpetual lateness to legislative sections and plenary amongst others.

The lawmakers cited allegations of corruption, gross misconduct, and authoritarian leadership as reasons for his removal. They declared they were ready for a change, with one legislator stating, “We’ve had enough.”

Following the impeachment, Obasa’s deputy, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, was promptly sworn in as the new Speaker, making history as the first female to hold the position in Lagos State. Hon. Fatai Mojeed, formerly the Deputy Chief Whip, was elected Deputy Speaker.

In the aftermath of Lagos Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s impeachment, details have emerged about the pivotal role played by Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, a respected political leader in Lagos State.

According to ThisDay, Olusi reportedly gave a detailed situation report to President Bola Tinubu, detailing Obasa’s alleged insubordination toward political leaders in the state and repeated acts of disrespect toward Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Obasa’s bold gubernatorial ambitions further fueled tensions. His declaration that “no one could stop him” from becoming the next governor of Lagos State reportedly caused unease among party stalwarts.

Hon. Femi Saheed moved the motion for impeachment under “Matter of Urgent Public Importance,” accusing Obasa of misappropriating funds, high-handedness, and perpetuating division among lawmakers.

Saheed described Obasa’s leadership style as “authoritarian and undemocratic,” adding that he was often late to sessions and failed to respect legislative protocols.

The impeachment motion, grounded in Section 92(2)(C) of the Nigerian Constitution, was adopted unanimously through a voice vote.

President Bola Tinubu says his administration will complete the Eastern Rail line connecting Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.

Tinubu gave the assurance at an interactive session with South East leaders in Enugu during his visit to the state on Saturday, Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

The President also pledged that his administration would support the development of the Anambra Basin as a significant energy reserve.

The basin is estimated to hold up to 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas.

“On the support of the gas infrastructure. Sure, gas is an alternative to petrol. There is no wasting of time than to invest more in it. We will do it together, and I am lucky I have good governors,” he said.

President Tinubu praised Gov. Peter Mbah for his development model and philosophy after inaugurating several projects executed by the state government.

He pledged that the federal government would continue to support Enugu and other states in their development efforts.

Among the projects inaugurated by the President are the GTC Smart Green School; New Haven/Bisalla Road, the International Conference Center, the Command-and-Control Center, and 150 patrol vehicles equipped with surveillance cameras.

The President also performed the virtual commissioning of other notable projects from the Enugu State Government House.

At the inauguration of the Command-and-Control Center, the President said investment in security would bring rapid development.

“This is a profound demonstration of what we can do together. It reassures me that more revenue going to the sub-nationals and local government is not a waste. It is for development.

“We have committed leaders like Peter Mbah taking Enugu on the path of 21st-century development, taking Enugu to greater heights, and building our tomorrow today,” he said.

President Tinubu further lauded the governor, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for demonstrating an irrevocable commitment to human development.

“I don’t care which party you come from; you are my friend. Alex Otti of Abia State is also doing very well. It is not about the differences in languages and place of birth.

“No one of us has control of the mother tongue. God created us, and you can find yourself in Enugu, Onitsha or Lagos.

“We are all members of one huge family called Nigeria, but we live in different rooms in the same house.

“We must build this house to satisfy our immediate and future needs,” he said.

Mbah commended the Tinubu administration for establishing the South East Development Commission and liberalizing the electricity sector through the Electricity Act (Amendment).

“Your Excellency, your credential as a true federalist stands out brightly, and the legacies thereof will long earn you resounding accolades.

“In signing the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, you liberalized electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. That singular act will consistently rank as an enduring legacy.

“It is noteworthy that Enugu State was the first sub-national to which the NERC ceded regulatory oversight of the local electricity market. That reflects how swiftly we are pursuing our goals,” he said.