- FG set to introduce new electricity tariff hike for Band B and C
- Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan seeks investigation into the alleged misconduct against her
- NLC halt protest as telecoms reduce tariff prices to 35%
- Sokoto branch of ASUU declares indefinite strike
- Bosun Tijani defends the need for tariff hike, claims it is important to save jobs
Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the five top Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.
FG set to introduce new electricity tariff hike for Band B and C
In an effort to boost liquidity in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, the Federal Government is looking into plans to regularise electricity tariffs to rectify inconsistencies in the billing system for customers (Band B and C) outside of Band A.
The proposed increase aims to bring the tariffs for Band B and C customers in line with the ₦206/kW rate that Band A customers pay; these individuals account for about 15% of the 12.82 million power consumers nationwide.
However, this proposal has faced pushback from consumers and members of the Organised Private Sector, who are questioning the government’s persistent hikes in commodity prices across various sectors of the economy.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan seeks investigation into the alleged misconduct against her
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the misconduct allegations levied against her by the Senate leadership.
She remarked that the upcoming days and weeks will uncover important truths regarding the current Senate leadership under President Godswill Akpabio.
Her statements came in response to a protest by the Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence (NOYAD), which accused her of corruption, misuse of power, and the mistreatment of staff in the Senate Committee on Local Content, which she previously chaired.
The group also alleged that she engaged in financial misappropriation and blackmail concerning stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, among other claims.
NLC halt protest as telecoms reduce tariff prices to 35%
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cancelled its planned protest for March 1, 2025, following an agreement with the Federal Government on a 35% rise in telecom tariffs.
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers praised the NLC’s decision and urged improved relief measures in the telecom sector.
On January 20, 2025, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, marking the first significant change in over a decade.
Sokoto branch of ASUU declares indefinite strike
The branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities at Sokoto State University has initiated a total and indefinite strike beginning Wednesday.
The union pointed to the failure of the university administration, governing council, and state government to resolve ongoing issues as the reasons behind the strike. They assured the strike would be fully enforced, resulting in a complete shutdown of all university activities.
Union members expressed their disappointment with the commitment shown by the authorities, leading to the immediate suspension of all academic activities, which includes statutory meetings, examinations, student supervision, and the marking and grading of papers.
Bosun Tijani defends the need for tariff hike, claims it is important to save jobs
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, indicated that a 50% hike in telecom tariffs is necessary to avert job losses resulting from company failures.
Given the telecom sector’s vital economic significance, he clarified that the government thoughtfully considered this decision. He also pointed out that the industry and its entire value chain employ nearly half a million Nigerians, making a substantial contribution to the nation’s progress.
“If we choose not to implement the tariff increase, we face the possibility of job losses, as some companies might shut down. Considering this, it’s not the most favourable outcome for the economy,” he stated.
