• Subscribers demand an upgrade of Telecom services in light of tariff hike
• Obasanjo claims corruption is the reason behind Africa’s debt profile
• CBN introduces non-resident accounts for Nigerian diasporans to invest in local assets
• FG launches free AI Academy for youths
• EFCC arrests 4 Chinese and 101 Nigerians for alleged internet fraud

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

Subscribers demand an upgrade of Telecom services in light of tariff hike

Nigerian subscribers have asked telecom providers to prove that an increment in tariff prices would be worth it, as the federal government has approved the tariff hike.

For the first time in a decade, telecom providers will be increasing their tariff fees, citing the economic downturn, cost of operation, and inflation as the reasons for their need to raise their tariff prices.

However, Nigerians have demanded that these network providers justify their increase in tariff prices by improving voice and data quality.

Obasanjo claims corruption is the reason behind Africa’s debt profile 

Former Nigerian President and political icon Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that corruption and recklessness are the reason behind Africa’s debt burden.

The ex-president made this statement at the event where he hosted youths at the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, educating them on how to build a better country and continent for themselves, taking in the faults and mistakes of their predecessors.

He also told a little story about his life, transitioning from a military officer to being a farmer and then a politician.

CBN introduces non-resident accounts for Nigerian diasporans to invest in local assets

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched a non-resident Nigerian ordinary account (NRNOA) for Nigerians living in the diaspora to allow them to invest in local assets.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the announcement on Friday, 10 January, in a circular by W.J Kanya, the acting director of the trade and exchange department.

According to the goal of the CBN, “The NRNOA enables Non-Resident Nigerians (NRNs) to remit their foreign earnings to Nigeria and manage funds in both foreign and local currencies, while the (NRNIA) enables Non-Resident Nigerians (NRNs) to invest in assets in Nigeria in either foreign currency (FCY) or local currency (Naira).”

FG launches free AI Academy for youths

In partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat Intel Corporation, the federal government has announced a free AI Academy for all Nigerian youths interested in careers using AI skills.

The program provides several self-paced courses, a worldwide experience, and opportunities for internships and AI ambassadorial roles with Intel Corporation.

Application for the program will be open till January 30, 2025, as all interested youths are encouraged to participate in the free program.

EFCC arrests 4 Chinese and 101 Nigerians for alleged internet fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 4 Chinese and 101 Nigerians suspected of being complicit in internet fraud in Gudu Area, Abuja.

“The suspects, comprising 67 males (including four Chinese nationals) and 38 females, were allegedly involved in a hotel review job scam targeting victims and hotels in Europe and other parts of the world,” the agency wrote on its social media platform.

“The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigations,” the announcement reads in part.