- Nigeria Labour Congress Threatens Telecom Shutdown Over Tariff Hike
- 20,000 Nigerians Killed in 4 Years – Report
- Tinubu’s Reelection: Arewa Consultative Forum Tackle Ganduje Over ‘No Vacancy’ Comment
- Nigeria Labour Congress Threatens Telecom Shutdown Over Tariff Hike
- ‘Forgive and Forget,’ MTN Apologises to Customers Over 200% Data Price Hike
- ‘North Has 22% of Global Out-of-School Children’
Nigeria Labour Congress Threatens Telecom Shutdown Over Tariff Hike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned telecom operators to reverse the recent 50% tariff increase or face a nationwide shutdown from March 1, 2025. It also urged Nigerians to boycott telecom services daily from 11 AM to 2 PM in protest. The NLC accuses telecom firms of breaching an agreement with the government and disregarding consumer welfare. Read more
Athena Commentary: The NLC’s response to telecom tariff hike is necessary. It reflects the already existing widespread frustration over economic pressures. The only concern is in its approach. While consumer protection is essential, telecom operators also face increasing costs, including infrastructure maintenance and currency devaluation. A sustainable solution lies in regulatory transparency and structured dialogue rather than ultimatums. The government must mediate effectively to ensure fair pricing without jeopardising service quality or investor confidence.
20,000 Nigerians Killed in 4 Years – Report
A report by Nextier has revealed that over 20,000 people were killed or injured in violent incidents across Nigeria between 2020 and 2024. The report recorded 5,291 violent incidents, including terrorist attacks, banditry, kidnappings, and farmer-herder conflicts, with the North West being the most affected region. It also highlighted external factors influencing Nigeria’s security, such as instability in the Sahel and illegal mining. Read more
Athena Commentary: The staggering loss of life in four years shows that Nigeria needs an urgent and holistic security approach. While external factors contribute to instability, internal governance gaps, poor intelligence coordination, and economic desperation are the major causes. Reactive military interventions alone will not suffice. The government must prioritise intelligence-driven operations, address the root causes of conflict and other forms of violence and implement policies that strengthen economic stability and community resilience.
Tinubu’s Reelection: Arewa Consultative Forum Tackle Ganduje Over ‘No Vacancy’ Comment
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and other northern leaders have criticised APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje for insisting that the North should wait until 2031 before contesting the presidency. Ganduje argued that since a northerner completed eight years in office, Tinubu should also serve two terms. However, northern leaders rejected his stance, stating that no single individual or party leader could dictate the region’s political choices for 2027. Read more
Athena Commentary: Ganduje’s assertion that Tinubu should be allowed to do two terms is clearly against democratic principles. It reflects the existing troubling pattern in Nigeria’s political discourse – the practice of treating power as an entitlement rather than a democratic choice. While zoning has relatively played a stabilising role in Nigeria’s power dynamics, the notion that any region must wait its turn disregards the fundamental principles of democracy. Elections should be won through governance performance and public trust, not prearranged party agreements. As 2027 approaches, the focus should shift from political calculations to delivering tangible results that will earn public confidence across all regions.
‘Forgive and Forget,’ MTN Apologises to Customers Over 200% Data Price Hike
MTN Nigeria has apologised to its customers following backlash over a sudden 200% increase in its 15GB weekly data plan, which jumped from N2,000 to N6,000. The unexpected hike sparked outrage on social media, prompting MTN to issue an informal apology, admitting its mistake and appealing for forgiveness. While only MTN has implemented the increase, other telecom companies may follow after the NCC approved a 50% tariff hike in January. Read more
Athena Commentary: MTN’s apology, laced with slang and informal language, appears more like damage control than a genuine attempt to address consumer grievances. While the company admits to “mistakes,” it offers no concrete solution or commitment to reconsider the price hike. The real issue is the widening digital divide—higher data costs will further exclude low-income Nigerians from essential internet access. Instead of seeking “forgiveness,” MTN and other telecom operators should engage in transparent dialogue with regulators and consumers to ensure fair pricing that balances profitability with accessibility.
‘North Has 22% of Global Out-of-School Children’
Education experts gathered for a two-day workshop to discuss ways to improve education in northern Nigeria, particularly in the North West and Yobe State. The event, themed ‘Empowering Locals through Technological Innovation in Educationally Disadvantaged Communities in Northern Nigeria’, highlighted that northern Nigeria accounts for 22% of the world’s out-of-school children. Discussions also touched on the role of government policies in creating an environment that supports education and ensures accountability. Read more
Athena Commentary: The staggering 11 million out-of-school children in Nigeria are not just numbers; they represent a generation of poverty, insecurity, and weak governance. Without significant investment in teacher training, school infrastructure, and policies that ensure compulsory education, technological solutions may serve only as temporary fixes. The real test lies in political will—whether stakeholders are willing to move beyond conferences and commit to sustainable reforms.