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Opinion

Google AI funds for Nigerian startups

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By Sonny Aragba-Akpore

Sometime last week ,the government of Nigeria in collaboration with Google Africa began what could turn around the fortunes of startups with the launch of One hundred million naira (N100m) fund in Lagos.

The fund, to be overseen by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), is believed to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to position Nigeria as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) development.

Communications,Innovation and Digital Economy Minister,Bosun Tijani tweeted on Tuesday,September 10 that “today we launched the N100million Artificial Intelligence Fund in collaboration with @googleafrica aimed at supporting Nigerian startups leveraging AI to build innovative solutions.”

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Expected to be managed by NCAIR,the funds will enable startups to deliver cutting edge technologies for developing AI for economic growth.
Although,this initiative looks tempting for the startups,some stakeholders see it as a drop in the ocean.
Despite the misgivings of some stakeholders,government thinks the AI fund is expected to spur technological progress across Africa, empowering entrepreneurs to solve real-world problems through AI.

By providing critical financial and strategic backing, the collaboration sets a new benchmark for digital innovation across the continent, offering African startups a chance to drive economic growth and technological development.

Google’s involvement highlights its commitment to Africa’s digital future according to Olumide Balogun, Google’s West Africa Director, noting that the partnership aligns with Google’s focus on developing Africa-centric solutions and promoting digital innovation on the continent.

“In addition to financial support, the selected startups will gain access to Google’s AI tools, mentorship, and a global network of experts and investors, helping them scale their businesses and expand beyond Nigeria.”

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“Eligible startups must be based in Nigeria, have at least one Nigerian founder, and focus on AI-driven solutions with strong market potential. Applications will be open from September 10 to September 25, 2024, with winners announced in October.”

“Tijani explained that the government’s pivotal role in shaping AI policy, which we believe will have long-term effects on both the public and private sectors is a drive in the right direction “.
“If we get it right in the public sector, it will permeate the private sector, transforming national lives and shaping the future of our country,” Tijani stated during the launch.

“The government is also working on a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to guide future policies and foster AI growth across multiple industries.”

Announced on September 10, 2024, this initiative aims to foster AI innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem.

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On July 31,2024 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa announced its 8th cohort of 10 startups joining its Africa Accelerator Programme, a three-month virtual initiative designed to help African startups leverage technology to address some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Chosen from nearly 1,000 applications, the startups from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda demonstrate the vibrant talent and innovation within Africa’s tech scene.

Google highlighted the crucial role startups play in driving economic growth and technological progress in Africa.

“These startups are not only creating jobs but also improving living standards by developing tailored solutions to local challenges, Google noted, despite the ongoing “funding winter” in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Since its launch in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme has supported 106 startups across 17 African countries, helping them raise over $263 million and creating more than 2,800 direct jobs, underscoring the programme,s impact on the continent’s tech landscape.

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This year’s cohort focuses heavily on artificial intelligence, emphasizing the role of advanced technologies in addressing Africa’s critical challenges.

The N100 million fund is designed to support Nigerian startups leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop innovative solutions, and this initiative is part of the broader National AI Strategy published in August, 2024 aimed at integrating AI into various sectors of the Nigerian economy to drive growth and societal well-being.

The AI Fund provides Nigerian startups with the resources they need to develop and scale their AI solutions.

The NCAIR believes that AI has the potential to address local challenges and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth. By supporting Nigerian startups, the NCAIR hopes to foster homegrown innovation.

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Artificial Intelligence has the potential to revolutionize various industries and sectors in Nigeria. From agriculture and healthcare to education and finance, AI can improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making. By investing in AI, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in the global technology landscape.
In April 2024, the Ministry held the Artificial Intelligence Strategy Workshop bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the future of AI in Nigeria. This was followed by the release of the National AI Intelligence Strategy in August, which outlined the country’s roadmap for integrating AI into various sectors to enhance growth and societal well-being. The AI Fund is a significant step in actualizing these plans, providing Nigerian startups with the necessary resources to innovate and scale their AI solutions.

The AI Fund is open to Nigerian-based startups that are focused on AI-driven technology solutions with the potential for significant impact.

Selected startups will receive up to ₦10 million in funding, along with access to Google’s extensive resources, including AI tools, mentorship, and a global network designed to help them scale their innovations.
When it rose from its 2024 yearly conference last week,the International Standard Organization (ISO) listed a number of issues relating to AI including standards to follow and ethical practices.

“With an ability to synthesize, analyse and act on enormous amounts of data in seconds, artificial intelligence is extremely powerful. As with any powerful technology, it is crucial we implement it responsibly to maximize on its potential while minimizing negative impacts”, ISO wrote.
For example, if trained using unscrutinized data, AI can replicate harmful biases about race, religion, upbringing or other human characteristics. This could be potentially disastrous if embedded in artificial intelligence used in health, recruitment, law or other human-centred applications.

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“Another of the key ethical concerns surrounding AI is privacy. With AI systems collecting vast amounts of data from databases worldwide, there is a need to ensure that personal information is protected and used responsibly. For example, facial recognition technology, often used in security systems or social media platforms, raises questions about consent and potential misuse.”

“Ensuring the responsible development of AI is crucial for its safe, trustworthy and ethical advancement. But how can transparency and explainability be addressed in the context of AI?”

At its core, machine learning refers to the ability of a computer system to learn from data without being explicitly programmed. One example is spam filtering in emails. By detecting similar patterns in spam messages, email platforms can learn what messages are useful, and what should be kept out of the inbox.

“So how does machine learning work? It starts with data. Lots of it.

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Machine learning algorithms are trained on huge datasets which they learn to analyse to identify patterns, relationships and trends. These patterns can then be used to make predictions or decisions on new, unseen data.”

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Opinion

Why Women Cheat, By Oreva Godwin

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Research has shown that infidelity gaps between women and men has closed up considerably. Cheating in marriage by both gender has become almost normal, because lots of women boldly come out now to admit to their friends that they cheat on their husbands.

The usual reason coined for infidelity by women includes, absence of love, lack of attention from the man, no good sex, lack of money, husbands are male chauvinist, cowards ,or that they caught their husbands in homosexual acts, etc.

Most writers have drawn conclusions, that women cheat when they are unhappy in their marriages, that men push their wives to the arms of other men. But are men really to be blamed for a cheating wife? Yes and no. We are not debunking the fact that most men lack the ethics of a husband and sometimes leave their wives to play the role of a single parent, or even make their wives feel unloved.

But in today’s discourse, we shall x-ray the dark sides of a lot of women that people fail to realise exists. Most women have very high libido; their sex drive is usually high. They have as much sex drive like most men and in that state of craving, they can sleep with any man that catches their fancy.

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Some women love varieties, just as men also love varieties. Some women easily get bored staying long with one man. They long for different sex experiences, with some bit of craziness. No matter how good a man is to them, they will appreciate, but still go out to get their satisfaction.

And hey, these women are not possessed. It’s like saying a man that sleeps with different women is possessed. Their body function like that of men and the high time we admit that it’s real for such ladies, the better for us all.

I have read articles suggesting that women won’t’ cheat when they are in love. It’s pretty funny for anyone to imagine such fallacies, I must say. So funny indeed, how people think they know women enough to write about them. Some women even use themselves as grounds to conclude that all women function alike

don’t use my personal experiences to draw up conclusions about why women behave in a particular way. Instead , I ask questions, engage people in discussions, allow them the freedom to express their minds without being judgemental. Don’t forget our slogan: “We listen, we don’t judge”. I’m an exposed mind and respect people’s choices in life.

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A woman can love you and still cheat on you. Some women can simply cheat because they consider the man too conventional. As a man, you may be huge down there, know how to satisfy her, but refuse to give her a head. Yes, a woman can cheat on you just beause of a head. To some women that’s the spice of sex. They love you, but can’t deprive themselves of what they enjoy receiving, all because you are too conventional to experiment

Some women also cheat because they did not marry their heartthrob. They married who was ready, Haven’t you seen lots of women cheating on their partners with their ex?. That mindset of marrying who is ready, even when the man is not their spec or someone they love, has led lots of women to cheat.

Research has shown that most first born children, are not the biological children of their fathers. Some women sleep with their ex-lovers or boyfriends few days to their marriage, resulting in pregnancies that are then pinned on their unsuspecting husbands.

The rate at which some married men enjoy sleeping with married women is another factor to consider as to why women cheat. This trend really amazes me. These are top politicians, men of high calibre who cannot do without sleeping with married women. These men don’t mind using money to entice the women.

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It is said that sex with married women pays far better than sex with single ladies. That is the men are willing to pay huge amount of money just to lay with married women. They may even award them huge contracts, connections and appointments. Truth is, the rate at which married women have become sex escorts is alarming. There are reports that,married sex escorts dominate the sex escort market, thereby competing with single ladies in the business.

There are women who cheat as a form of payback. I know a woman who caught her husband cheating, went out and cheated on her husband with a younger guy in revenge. Her husband later got to know and accused her of infidelity. The shocker was that she boldly admitted cheating on him and reason for doing so. Then she threatened the man: “Next time you cheat on me, I will cheat back”.

I know some of my dearest readers expect the man to send her back to her father’s house that very day. What some of us do not know is that not everyone has the heart for divorce and moreover, what makes you feel the next woman you will marry won’t be worse?

I know of a crazy girl who happened to be my senior in secondary school and lived on same street with me. She was known to be so promiscuous and had slept with half of the boys and teachers in our school. She dated four guys on the same street, dated two friends, and had a reputation for sleeping around. she was wild for a teenager. One-day, I over heard her telling her friends that, she couldn’t imagine herself dating only one guy. She told them outrightly that she would be too bored to cope. She told them boldly that it would take two or more men to satisfy her. She’s married now with kids. And I wonder how she is coping with her marriage.

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A lady once boldly declared that when she gets married, she will retain two guys outside her husband to be servicing her engine, especially when her husband is out of town. She told her friends that she couldn’t imagine being loyal sexually to one man.

Let’s use Delta as another case study. There are parts of the state with so called traditional means of catching a cheating wife. This tradition is common in Isoko and other parts of the state. It’s a way of protecting the men from cheating women. Many of the women,in order to avoid the evil trap, indulged in lesbianism. That way, they are able to catch some fun without repercussions.

But, there are women who are able to bypass the sacrilege. Just to sustain cheating with the opposite sex. They go as far as to mortuary homes, buy remnants of water used in washing corpses and use same to bath. It is believed that by so doing, they become dead to the gods; the gods are unable to visit the cheating women with any curses or evil.

Other women are said to have protection charms to ward off any evil that comes with sleeping around. That way they are not caught by any deity or tradition. But the question remains. If the men are horrible and you are not happy in the marriage, why go through such stress? Why not just seek divorce and be free to catch the fun you desperately want? Why do unthinkable things, just to cheat?

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Its not in my place to judge, or paint women who cheat on their husbands in a bad light or portray them as horrible people. I only set out to expose some of the dark reasons why women cheat and to let the men know that we are not as emotionally weak as they often portray most women.

It’s just sad that the society we live in favors men and not women when it relates to sexual expression. Imagine a deity invited to each family, for the sole purpose of catching a cheating wife, while the men could cheat freely. Truly, it’s a man’s world and we women are forced to live in it. This is Africa.

●First published in The Southerner of January 30, 2025

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Opinion

CBN: Navigating the process for monetary stability

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By Ibrahim Modibbo

The 2025 Monetary Policy Forum, declared open by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, reinforces the apex bank’s steadfast commitment to price stability and macro-economic reforms.

The theme: “Managing the disinflation process,” resonates with the nation’s current economic realities, where inflationary pressures persist amid global and domestic shocks. The governor’s remarks reflect a balanced mix of optimism, pragmatism, and a forward looking approach to monetary policy.

His speech emphasizes the CBN’s strategic measures in taming inflation, restoring foreign exchange stability, and implementing financial sector reforms that position Nigeria for sustainable economic growth. Cardoso framed the forum as an essential intellectual platform for examining monetary policy challenges with precision. Unlike broader economic conferences, this event fosters evidence based discussions that shape policy direction. In emphasizing the need for clear communication, he acknowledges the critical role of transparency and stakeholder engagement in building confidence in monetary policy decisions.

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This emphasis on dialogue is significant, particularly as monetary policy remains a powerful yet complex tool requiring careful calibration. A major take-away from the governor’s speech is his review of the economic landscape over the past year.

Nigeria has faced persistent inflationary pressures, driven by both structural challenges and monetary dynamics. As of December 2024, headline inflation stood at 34.80 percent, with core inflation remaining a major concern despite some moderation in food inflation.

The governor rightly points to domestic structural bottlenecks, exchange rate pass through effects, and energy price adjustments as factors exacerbating inflationary trends.
While acknowledging these supply-side constraints, he also recognizes the role of past liquidity injections in fueling demand driven inflation.

This candid assessment is crucial in understanding Nigeria’s inflationary progression, as it highlights the multifaceted nature of the challenge.

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The governor’s remarks on liquidity injections and their unintended consequences reflect an awareness of policy trade-offs. He notes that unorthodox monetary interventions, particularly in response to theCOVID-19 pandemic, led to an excess liquidity overhang that did not translate into productivity growth.

The resulting inflationary pressures and exchange rate volatility necessitated a shift towards a more disciplined and coordinated monetary policy approach. This shift is evident in the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) tightening cycle, which saw the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) rise by a cumulative 875 basis points to 27.50 percent in 2024. Similarly, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for Other Depository Corporations (ODCs) was raised by 1,750 basis points to 50.00 percent, a bold move aimed at mopping up excess liquidity.

These decisive interventions, the governor argues, were necessary to prevent inflation from spiraling further. Counter- factual estimates suggest that without such measures, inflation could have surged to 42.81percent by the end of 2024.

This assertion stresses the importance of proactive policy responses in mitigating economic distortions.

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The commitment to tightening reflects the CBN’s resolve to anchor inflation expectations while ensuring that monetary policy remains an effective tool for macro-economic stability. Beyond inflation control, the CBN has implemented critical financial sector reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience.

The unification of multiple exchange rate windows has improved efficiency in the foreign exchange market, leading to a notable increase in remittances through International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs).

The governor cites a79.4 percent rise in remittances to $4.18billion in the first three quarters of 2024, compared to $2.33billion in the same period of 2023.

This reform, alongside the clearance of a $7.0 billion backlog of FX commitments, has bolstered market confidence and enhanced liquidity with a rising external reserves of $40billion as of December, 2024. Another significant policy shift is the lifting of restrictions on 41items previously banned from accessing the official FX market. The reversal of this 2015 policy signals a more market-driven approach aimed at improving supply side dynamics.

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Additionally, the introduction of new minimum capital requirements for banks, effective by March 2026, is a forward thinking measure designed to strengthen the financial system’s resilience. By ensuring that banks are adequately capitalized, this policy aligns with Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1trillion economy, reinforcing the stability and global competitiveness of the banking sector.

The governor also showcases the launch of the Women’s Financial Inclusion Initiative (WIFI) under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy.

This initiative addresses gender disparities in financial access, empowering women through digital tools, education, and financial services. Inclusive finance remains a key pillar of sustainable economic development, and the CBN’s focus on bridging financial gaps reflects a broader commitment to equitable growth.
In a further effort to instill transparency and efficiency in the FX market, the CBN recently introduced the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Code.

This framework, built on six core principles, aims to enhance integrity, fairness, and trust within the financial ecosystem. Such measures are essential in attracting foreign investment and maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms.

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Cardoso’s speech also contextualizes Nigeria’s disinflation efforts within the global monetary landscape.

He acknowledges emerging optimism regarding potential improvements in capital flows to emerging markets, particularly as advanced economies transition toward monetary easing. However, he cautions that Nigeria’s ability to attract these inflows hinges on investor confidence in domestic reforms.

The need to deliver positive real returns on investment accentuates the importance of maintaining macro-economic stability and ensuring that inflationary trends do not erode gains.

Looking ahead, the governor stresses that the shift from unorthodox to orthodox monetary policy is crucial for restoring confidence and strengthening policy credibility. Encouragingly, early signs of progress are evident.

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FX liquidity is improving, and the naira is gradually aligning with market fundamentals, creating a more predictable environment for economic activities. While acknowledging that challenges remain, Cardoso expresses confidence that Nigeria’s policies are setting the stage for sustainable economic stability.
The call for collaboration is another vital point in his remarks.

Managing disinflation requires coordinated efforts between monetary and fiscal authorities, alongside active engagement with the private sector and civil society. This alignment is necessary to anchor inflation expectations, maintain investor confidence, and ensure that economic policies translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

The governor reiterated the importance of a forward looking, adaptive, and resilient monetary policy framework. By prioritizing price stability, financial sector resilience, and macro-economic reforms, the CBN is laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

The 2025 Monetary Policy Forum thus serves as a fundamental platform for generating actionable insights that will shape Nigeria’s economic direction.
Essentially, Cardoso’s speech reflects a well calibrated approach to managing inflationary pressures while fostering economic resilience. His emphasis on disciplined monetary policy, financial sector reforms, and investor confidence corresponds with Nigeria’s broader economic aspirations. As the country navigates the complexities of disinflation, the CBN’s commitment to transparency, coordination, and policy credibility will be instrumental in achieving long-term stability.
Dr. Modibbo, a development communication scholar writes from Abuja

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Opinion

NCC’s 50% Telecom Tariff Hike: A Necessary Step for Industry Survival or a Burden on Nigerians?

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By Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently approved a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, a decision that has sparked debates across the country. While telecom operators argued that the hike is necessary for the industry’s survival amid rising costs, consumer rights groups and labor unions see it as an additional financial burden on Nigerians already struggling with inflation and economic instability.

As the new tariff policy takes effect, stakeholders remain divided over its implications. This feature examines the reasons behind the increase, its impact on consumers and the economy, and possible ways forward.

Why Did the NCC Approve the 50% Tariff Hike?

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Nigeria’s telecom industry has operated under a fixed pricing structure for over a decade, despite rising inflation, currency devaluation, and increased operational costs. Telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, have repeatedly called for a tariff review, citing the following challenges:

1. Inflation and Naira Depreciation

The cost of importing telecom infrastructure—such as network equipment, fiber optics, and software—has skyrocketed due to the fall in the value of the naira against the dollar. Many telecom components are priced in dollars, making them significantly more expensive than they were a decade ago.

2. High Operational Costs

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Telecom operators spend billions of naira on fuel and electricity to power base stations, especially in remote and underserved areas. Additionally, the insecurity in parts of the country has increased operational risks, forcing companies to spend more on security.

3. Heavy Taxation and Multiple Levies

The telecom industry is one of the most taxed sectors in Nigeria. Operators face multiple levies from federal, state, and local governments, adding to their financial strain.

To address these challenges, the NCC opted for a 50% increase, rejecting an initial 100% hike proposal from telecom operators. This compromise aims to keep the industry financially stable while minimizing the impact on consumers.

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Public Reactions: Backlash from Consumers and Labour Unions

While telecom operators welcome the tariff hike, many Nigerians see it as a harsh economic decision at a time of financial hardship. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other advocacy groups have condemned the move, calling it “insensitive” and “unjustifiable.”

NLC President Joe Ajaero announced a nationwide protest scheduled for February 4, 2025, demanding the reversal of the tariff increase and urging the government to take action against rising living costs.

“The government should be reducing costs for Nigerians, not increasing them,” Ajaero stated. “This decision will only make life harder for the average Nigerian.”

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Many consumers share this sentiment, arguing that data, call, and SMS rates are already expensive compared to the average income level. With food prices, fuel costs, and transportation fares rising, the added burden of higher telecom bills is seen as unfair and unnecessary.

Telecom Industry’s Perspective: A Necessary Adjustment

Despite public opposition, industry experts insist that the tariff hike is necessary to sustain Nigeria’s telecom sector. The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) supports the increase, projecting that it will:

Attract over $150 million in new investment, boosting the industry.

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Expand 4G network coverage to 94% of the population, connecting about 9 million more people, including 2 million in rural areas.

Create approximately 2 million jobs in the telecom sector.

Generate N1.6 trillion in tax revenue for the government.

Dr. Bode Ajibade, an ICT expert, believed the increase is long overdue.

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“If we continue with low tariffs while costs keep rising, telecom companies will struggle to maintain service quality. In the long run, poor network coverage and slower internet will hurt consumers more than a price increase,” he said.

What’s the Way Forward? Possible Solutions

As tensions rise between consumers, labor unions, and telecom operators, some experts suggest a more balanced approach to the tariff adjustment. Possible solutions include:

1. Phased Implementation

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Instead of an immediate 50% increase, the NCC could introduce a gradual increase over 6 to 12 months. This would give consumers time to adjust while still allowing telecom operators to recover their costs.

2. Government Intervention to Reduce Costs

Rather than passing all financial burdens onto consumers, the government could ease operational costs for telecom companies by:

Reducing multiple taxation that inflates telecom expenses.

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Providing incentives for alternative energy solutions to reduce reliance on expensive fuel and generators.

Investing in telecom infrastructure, especially in underserved areas, to lower expansion costs for operators.

3. Special Consumer Relief Measures

To protect vulnerable Nigerians, the NCC could mandate affordable packages for:

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Students who rely on mobile data for education.

Low-income earners who need access to communication services.

Small businesses that depend on telecom services for digital transactions.

If implemented, these solutions could ensure industry sustainability while minimizing the financial impact on consumers.

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Conclusion: A Delicate Balancing Act

The NCC’s 50% tariff hike represents a difficult but necessary step in maintaining the long-term health of Nigeria’s telecom industry. While it addresses the rising costs faced by operators, it also places additional financial pressure on consumers who are already struggling with economic hardship.

The key challenge now is finding a middle ground—one that keeps the telecom sector competitive without making communication unaffordable for Nigerians.

As the February 4 protest date approaches, the government must decide whether to review the tariff policy, introduce relief measures, or maintain the current plan. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain—the future of Nigeria’s telecom industry and digital economy depends on striking the right balance between business sustainability and consumer protection.

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What’s your take on the NCC’s tariff hike? Should the government intervene, or is this a necessary step for industry survival? Share your thoughts.

*Lukman Laleye Babalola, Publisher Emporium Reporters online and Emporium Magazine.He writes from Abuja 08037469328. [email protected]

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