• MTN raises data prices as telecoms begin to enforce tariff hike
• Lagos warns of traffic diversion ahead of 2025 city marathon on February 15
• CBN announces increment of ATM transaction fees starting March 1
• Dangote reduces diesel price from ₦1,075 to ₦1,020/litre
• 2Baba opens up about wanting to marry lawmaker amid divorce with Annie

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the five top Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss. 

MTN raises data prices as telecoms begin to enforce tariff hike

MTN Nigeria has revealed a shocking increase in its data prices, with the 15 gigabytes (GB) weekly plan now costing ₦6,000, up from ₦2,000.

This change marks a 200% rise across all data plans. It has triggered significant criticism online, as many users voice their frustrations about the escalating cost of living and the financial impact on internet consumers.

Meanwhile, investigations show that Airtel and Glo have not adjusted their data prices.

Lagos warns of traffic diversion ahead of 2025 city marathon on February 15

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced that there will be traffic diversions in specific locations around Lagos State due to the 2025 city marathon which is scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 15, from 5:00 am to 1:00 pm.

According to the LASG, several key roads, including Ikorodu Road, the Third Mainland Bridge, and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, will experience temporary closures to accommodate the marathon route, which extends from the National Stadium in Surulere to Eko Atlantic.

“To this end, all adjoining Roads, Junctions and Intersections from National Stadium (Starting Point) to Ahmadu Bello Way (Eko Atlantic, End Point of the race) will be blocked with Concrete Barriers, manned by LASTMA, NPF, FRSC, LSNC, LAWMA to prevent other road users access to the main race corridor,” LASG warned.

CBN announces increment of ATM transaction fees starting March 1

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revised the fees for automated teller machine (ATM) transactions.

In a circular signed by John Onojah, acting director of the financial policy and regulation department, the CBN confirmed that the new fees will be effective from March 1.

The regulator explained that this change is intended to address increasing operational costs and enhance banking services’ efficiency.

“In response to escalating costs and the need to improve the efficacy of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services within the banking sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has updated the ATM transaction fees specified in Section 10.7 of the current CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions, 2020 (the Guide),” stated the CBN.

Dangote reduces diesel price from ₦1,075 to ₦1,020/litre

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced further reduced diesel prices, lowering them from ₦1,075 to ₦1,020.80 per litre. 

This change comes just weeks after the refinery cut the ex-depot petrol price to ₦890 per litre. 

In a statement released on Tuesday, the company mentioned that this decision is part of their efforts to serve customers and Nigerians better. 

“Since we began diesel production in January 2024, we have reduced diesel prices multiple times, from an initial ₦1,700 per litre to the current price, thus providing much-needed relief to both manufacturers and consumers,” the statement noted.

2Baba opens up about wanting to marry lawmaker amid divorce with Annie

Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has confirmed his relationship with Natasha Osawaru, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly and granddaughter of Gabriel Igbinedion.

His surprise visit to the Edo Assembly led to a stir on social media, particularly in light of his ongoing divorce from his wife, Annie.

In an Instagram video, 2Baba addressed the rumours surrounding his relationship with Natasha, saying, “I said what I said. We’ll all be okay… Honourable Natasha has been unfairly targeted, facing all sorts of accusations and being called a homewrecker. She is a young, talented, and wonderful person.”

He added, “She is not involved in what’s happening between me and Annie, yet people are trying to implicate her in this. Yes, I love her. She’s amazing, she’s fantastic, and I want to marry her.”