By Sonny Aragba-Akpore

An imminent feud is underway between telecommunications regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on one hand and Starlink and Mobile Network Operators ( MNOS) on the other.

On October 1, 2024 ,Starlink, an internet service provider (ISP) via satellite owned by Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, announced an increase in its monthly subscription prices in Nigeria.

The company, blaming inflation, increased its standard package for residential housing, monthly subscription to N75,000, from N38,000 per month — an increase of 97.37 percent.

The price for the mobile-regional roaming unlimited is now N167,000 while that of the mobile-global roaming service is N717,000.

The cost of the Starlink hardware was also increased from N440,000 to N590,000.

Sensing industry backlash, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) came out with a statement on Tuesday, October 8,2024 saying Starlink had contravened sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 by unilaterally increasing tariffs without approval.

“The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),” NCC,s said in an initial original statement adding that “We were surprised that the company jumped the gun by announcing price changes after filing a request to the Commission seeking approval for price adjustment for which the Commission was yet to communicate a decision.”

“The action of the company appears to be a contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, and Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs.

“The Commission will, therefore, take appropriate enforcement measures against any action by a licensee that is capable of eroding the regulatory stability of the telecommunications industry.”

NCC statement said it was “surprised” when the company announced the price changes.

It said Starlink had filed a request with the commission for a price adjustment, but the regulator was yet to give approval adding that the commission would take enforcement measures against the satellite company.

The NCC said Starlink contravened section 108 of the NCA 2003 which gives the NCC authority to regulate telecom tariffs, stating that no licensee can impose charges for services without obtaining tariff approval from the commission.

Section 111 of the Act empowers the telecoms regulator to impose financial penalties on any licensee that exceeds approved tariffs, regardless of other legal provisions.

“Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the commission shall prescribe and enforce appropriate financial penalties upon any holder of an individual licence who exceeds the tariff rates duly approved by the commission for the provision of any of its services,” the Act reads.

Mobile Network Operators (MNOS) in Nigeria have been agitating for tariff hikes based on rising inflation and several economic headwinds including high cost of diesel, rising cost of doing business, high foreign exchange rates among others saying their services were overdue for price increments as they have not raised rates in the last 11 years.

Strangely, a few hours after the NCC statement on Starlink, and in what appeared to be a face-saving move, the NCC came out with another statement to withdraw the earlier one saying “it was sent in error “.

It is however not clear if the regulator has capitulated on its laws and guidelines because industry players who have clamored for tariff raise for so long citing economic headwinds and high foreign exchange including spiraling cost of doing business are worried that should the NCC keep mum over the Starlink unilateral tariff hike, then Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) May resort to self help.

Although no reason was given for the withdrawal of that statement, analysts think the commission may have been complacent as a result of regulatory inactivities especially now that there is a lull in the industry due to dwindling fortunes of operators some of whom have declared losses due to the economic downturn.

Industry players frown at what is happening and have begun to criticize the NCC against the backdrop of the regulator’s unyielding stance on the clamor for an increase in tariffs by local telecom operators, especially in the last two years whereas, Starlink, an internet service provider that entered the market officially in January 2023,has been allegedly allowed to increase its tariffs by almost 100%.

An analyst quoted a major industry player as saying “Starlink only beams its satellite in Nigeria and acquired an ISP licence from the NCC to offer its service in the country. It currently has zero investment in the country.

“Many of us started since the liberalization of the telecom sector, putting in all our resources to deploy more infrastructure to get more Nigerians connected despite the various challenges in the operating environment.

“We have been appealing to the Commission to allow us to implement a tariff review for years now, but it said it had to carry out a cost-based study before any decision could be made. We are still waiting for the result of that study. Now, allowing Starlink to implement price increase in the same market shows the regulator’s double standard.”

The NCC may have lost steam over its regulatory oversight and demonstrate lack of capacity especially in addressing the issue of tariff increases by local players.

The operators believe the Commission simply woke up from its slumbers by announcing a statement it could not sustain let alone justify.

“This is certainly not the NCC of our founding fathers “ one veteran player who would rather be addressed as one of the “ancestors “ of the industry lamented.

Starlink came with disruptive technologies that are already making a world of difference for consumers and we looked on as if nothing was happening. The company came prepared.

It obtained six licenses from the NCC and got various permits and approvals to flag off the business of internet services via satellite and equally signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and distribution agreements with Nigerian companies including, Technology Distribution Africa (TD),a big distributor of major technology brands and promoted by a restless technology czar ,Leo Stan Ekeh.

Starlink didn’t stop there ,it has decided to take services to even the unserved and under served communities in Nigeria and parts of Africa for which TD boasts it’s ready for the long haul partnership.

Space Exploration Technology Corporation (Space X ) owners of Starlink got six licenses in a roll from the NCC and is expected to deploy nearly $30b over time for the Nigerian operations alone.

The government is excited that with the entry of Starlink,it may achieve 70% broadband connectivity by 2025 as enshrined in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2020–2025.

But is the government just desperate to achieve this at the expense of low purchasing powers of subscribers? Time will tell.

Starlink,s six licenses include that for ISP, Gateway Service Provider, international Data Access (IDA),Sales and Installation Major, Gateway Earth Station and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) thus making it a mega player and a big threat to other players in the industry.

Starlink officially announced its presence in Nigeria in January 2023. The company, which initially quoted its prices in dollars at $600 for the hardware and $43 for the subscription, changed to naira upon its official announcement.

SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service has more than four million global subscribers, achieving rapid growth despite mounting competition.

SpaceX confirmed the news recently after company President Gwynne Shotwell hinted earlier that the service would reach the mark within days. This represents a remarkable achievement for Starlink, which only crossed three million subscribers in May, highlighting the company’s accelerating growth in the satellite internet market.

Since its beta launch in October 2020, Starlink has rapidly scaled, growing from one million subscribers by December 2022, to two million by September 2023, and now four million just months later. The service operates through a vast constellation of nearly 6,000 satellites, providing satellite internet to users in almost 100 countries, including expanding into previously underserved regions like Africa and the Pacific islands. Starlink’s rapid growth reflects both its market dominance and the rising demand for satellite internet services, which offer coverage in areas lacking traditional broadband infrastructure.

While cable cuts remain a nightmare,Starlink’s boasts of bridging the gap, with its potential impact extending far beyond addressing temporary outages. These include reaching Underserved Areas where Traditional ISPs often struggle to reach remote regions due to the high cost of infrastructure deployment.

Starlink’s satellite-based approach can effectively bridge this gap, offering high-speed internet access to previously underserved communities by unlocking educational and economic opportunities for millions of Nigerians currently excluded from the digital world.

Starlink boosts Business Continuity by avoiding Frequent internet disruptions that can be detrimental to businesses, especially those reliant on online operations.

Starlink claims to be reliable with independent internet access that can provide much-needed resilience, ensuring business continuity even during cable outages.

The recent cable cuts hampered online learning and remote work arrangements. Starlink’s stable internet connection may have facilitated smoother online learning experiences for students and enable seamless remote work for professionals across the country.

By Franklyn Ginger-Eke

As Nigeria marks her 64th Independence Anniversary in October 2024, the celebratory mood across the nation is juxtaposed with an undeniable reality: the country is in the throes of a profound economic crisis. Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, inflation has skyrocketed to 25.8%, unemployment remains intractably high at 33%, and the value of the naira continues to plummet. In households across Nigeria, many citizens grapple with rising food prices, increased taxes, and a shortage of opportunities that has led to a growing sense of desperation and disillusionment.
The deepening hardship signals one clear truth: the need for purposeful, responsive, and selfless leadership has never been greater.
For decades, leadership in Nigeria has been synonymous with patronage, corruption, and a disconnect from the everyday struggles of the average citizen. This leadership deficit has compounded economic challenges, resulting in sluggish reforms and inadequate public infrastructure. Today, the nation sits precariously at the crossroads of immense potential and escalating hardship.
But economic failure is not just about policies or markets; it is a reflection of governance. It mirrors the quality of decisions made by leaders who either lack the courage or the will to tackle deep-rooted problems. It is, at its core, a crisis of leadership.
In these challenging times, it is imperative to call for a renaissance of leadership across all sectors—politics, business, and civil society. Nigeria does not need leaders who merely occupy offices; it needs leaders who will.
True leadership is service, not dominance. Our leaders must shift from the “big man” syndrome to a model where serving the people is paramount. In times of hardship, leaders must be the first to make sacrifices, showing empathy and prioritizing the needs of the populace above personal gain.
Engage in Data-Driven Decision Making: Leadership in the 21st century must be informed by data, not sentiment. The ongoing economic challenges demand evidence-based solutions, not populism. Leaders must rigorously analyze socio-economic indicators—like unemployment rates, inflation, and poverty levels—before rolling out policies that impact millions of lives.
Nigerian leaders must rise above the corruption scandals and nepotism that have marred governance for decades. Leadership with integrity—free from self-serving agendas—is the bedrock of national transformation.

The economic landscape is rapidly evolving, requiring leaders who are not only responsive to the immediate needs of the people but are also agile enough to adapt their policies to changing realities. As poverty deepens, citizens expect leaders who understand their plight and can provide immediate relief through targeted interventions such as social safety nets, subsidies for essential goods, and job creation initiatives.
Countries that have successfully navigated economic crises are often those that had leaders who led with purpose and clarity. In Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew’s transformative leadership demonstrated how a focus on pragmatic governance, zero tolerance for corruption, and a clear vision for development can catapult a struggling nation to prosperity. Similarly, post-apartheid South Africa saw Nelson Mandela exemplify sacrificial leadership, uniting a deeply divided country while laying the foundation for inclusive governance.
Nigeria, with its vast resources and entrepreneurial population, can similarly chart a new path—if only it adopts a leadership paradigm that is purposeful, pragmatic, and people-centred.
The Role of Leaders Across All Strata
While the government bears the bulk of the responsibility, leadership is required across every facet of Nigerian society. Business leaders must lead ethically, rejecting exploitative practices that burden the consumer. Civil society leaders must act as watchdogs, holding those in power accountable while proposing viable solutions to national challenges. Community leaders must serve as pillars of integrity, fostering unity and a shared sense of purpose.
A Call to Action: Time to Reinvent Leadership
It is time for Nigeria’s leaders, at all levels, to re-invent themselves. They must rise to the occasion and provide the transformative leadership that this moment demands.

For Nigeria to realize her potential, leaders must:
Listen to the People.

Policy must align with the reality on the ground. The rise in fuel prices, taxes, and unemployment means leaders must prioritize the voice of the citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

Leaders must work to build trust, a commodity that has been lost due to years of unfulfilled promises and opaque governance practices. In the digital age, transparency and accountability are non-negotiable.

No single institution can solve Nigeria’s problems. Political, business, and civil society leaders must work in concert to forge solutions to the complex challenges we face, from economic recovery to social cohesion.

As Nigeria steps into her 64th year of independence, the case for purposeful leadership cannot be overemphasized. The economic challenges are daunting, and the road to recovery will be long and difficult. But with a leadership class that is willing to sacrifice, to serve with dignity, and to put the people first, there is hope for a better tomorrow.
The time for excuses is over. Now is the time for leaders who can rise above narrow interests and lead Nigeria into an era of prosperity, unity, and purpose.
The Nigerian people are watching. History will judge our leaders not by their intentions but by their actions. Let this anniversary be the moment we look back on as the turning point—when Nigeria’s leaders finally rose to the challenge and led with purpose.
At The Rainbow Strategy, we stand as partners in shaping a better narrative for Nigeria. Through strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs, we are committed to working with leaders across sectors to forge a path that reflects the true potential of our great nation. Together, we can chart a course for a Nigeria where leadership is defined by service, and where every citizen is empowered to thrive.
Happy Independence, Nigeria! May the road ahead be one of renewal, transformation, and lasting change.

* Franklyn Ginger-Eke, a public affairs and strategic communication expert. writes from Abuja.

By,

Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, Executive Director, Nigerian Law Society (NLS), Abuja, FCT.

On this 5th day of October 2024, I am taking time out to write a tribute to Mrs. Euphemia Eremieofori, my biological mother for being my first teacher and best teacher (besides Almighty God and Jesus Christ).

My mother began her professional teaching career at the primary school at Taaba, Ogoniland, Rivers State in the year 1977 and retired as a Director at the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Commission, in the year 2014.

There are many lessons that my mother taught me. She taught me Bible lessons at home, and she was responsible for teaching me how to read and write.

As a secondary school teacher in a government school, on a monthly salary of ₦100 per month, my mother made the sacrifice of enrolling me in a private school where the school fees was ₦90 per term. Attendance at this Montessori school gave me a very solid educational foundation because we were taught music, playing musical instruments, amongst other mind-broadening curriculum. This private school was charging the the highest school fees at the time.

The good educational foundation at this primary school spilled into my secondary school, wherein I graduated as one of the three best students.

Apart from academics, my mother as a good teacher taught me some life skills such as cooking and cleaning the house.

She also taught me typewriting using the old manual typewriter. She also taught me shorthand, this is because my mother herself was a graduate of those old stenography schools. I earned pocket money during holidays by typing handouts for college of education lecturers because we resided on the campus of a school that served as learning centre of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti.

My mother taught me how to exercise self-discipline and save money for rainy days and for major projects such as building a house.

It was my mother that taught me by her example, the value of diligence, resourceful and entrepreneurship. In addition to her full-time job as a classroom teacher, my mother at different points in time, supplemented her income by private home tuition, private clerical and secretarial services and even hairdressing.

I considered myself blessed by Almighty God to have a wonderful mother whose hardworking nature has ensured that her years as a pensioner are not burdensome on her children and has ensured that she is so healthy with very minimal requirement for hospital treatment.