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Top 5 Stories of The Day | Starlink Announces Price Hike in Nigeria

  • Starlink Announces Price Hike in Nigeria
  • HOSTCOM Commends NUPRC for Empowering Oil-Producing Communities
  • NLC Demands Withdrawal of Tax Reform Bills
  • FG Advises Nigerians Against Australia Travel in Diplomatic Retaliation
  • President Tinubu Foresees Economic Growth Amidst Key Indicator Scrutiny

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

Starlink Announces Price Hike in Nigeria

Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider, Starlink, has announced a significant increase in its subscription fees across Nigeria. The new pricing will be effective immediately for new customers and from January 27, 2025, for existing users. The adjusted rates are N75,000 for the Standard (Residential) plan, N167,000 for Mobile-Regional (Roam Unlimited), and N717,000 for Mobile-Global (Global Roam).

Starlink justified the increase by citing the need to improve its network infrastructure and maintain high-quality internet service. However, this decision has faced regulatory hurdles. Initially, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) threatened sanctions against the company for an “illegal increase” in fees but later withdrew the statement, leaving questions about regulatory approval unanswered.

Starlink has offered temporary credits to affected customers and delayed the implementation of the price hike in response to consumer backlash. This marks the second substantial price increase by Starlink in Nigeria, following a September 2024 adjustment that raised the monthly fee for its Standard plan from N38,000 to N75,000, attributed to inflation.

Since its launch in Nigeria in December 2022, Starlink has been lauded for extending internet access to underserved and remote areas. However, the pricing strategy has drawn criticism, with many arguing it is unaffordable for the average Nigerian, particularly during a period of widespread economic challenges.

HOSTCOM Commends NUPRC for Empowering Oil-Producing Communities

The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) praised the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its initiatives aimed at empowering oil-producing communities. HOSTCOM’s National President, Dr. Benjamin Tamaranebi, highlighted NUPRC’s efforts in implementing the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund, which is designed to ensure sustainable development and address ecological issues in these regions. He emphasized that NUPRC’s commitment to transparency and accountability has fostered a conducive environment for collaboration between oil companies and host communities. Dr. Tamaranebi stated, “NUPRC has introduced technological advancements to enhance effective working conditions between oil companies and the host communities.”

NLC Demands Withdrawal of Tax Reform Bills

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the immediate withdrawal of the Tax Reform Bills submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, expressed concerns over the exclusion of organized labor from the bill’s formulation process, describing it as a violation of tax justice principles. He urged the government to prioritize the welfare of citizens in 2025 and to engage in broader consultations before implementing such reforms. Ajaero remarked, “The exclusion of organized labor in the formulation of the current Tax Bill is unacceptable and undermines the principles of tax justice.”

FG Advises Nigerians Against Australia Travel in Diplomatic Retaliation

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a travel advisory cautioning Nigerians against non-essential trips to Australia. This directive comes in response to Australia’s recent imposition of restrictive visa measures on Nigerian travelers, a move viewed as discriminatory. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the need for mutual respect in international relations and urged Australian authorities to reassess their policies. This diplomatic tension underscores the broader challenges of visa restrictions and their impact on bilateral ties.

President Tinubu Foresees Economic Growth Amidst Key Indicator Scrutiny

In his New Year address, President Bola Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic prospects for 2025, suggesting that the nation is poised for a period of prosperity and “brighter days.” He acknowledged the economic challenges faced by many Nigerian households in 2024 but emphasized that current economic indicators suggest a positive and encouraging outlook for the country.

The President’s remarks come as analysts and citizens closely monitor key economic indices to assess the effectiveness of his administration’s policies. The government’s focus includes economic reforms, infrastructure development, and job creation, aiming to address the concerns of the populace and stimulate growth. The success of these initiatives will largely depend on their implementation and the stability of both domestic and global economic conditions.

As Nigeria enters 2025, the administration’s commitment to addressing economic challenges and fostering an environment conducive to growth remains a focal point for stakeholders nationwide.

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