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Just in: Govt Imposes License Fees On WhatsApp Group Administrators

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Administrators of WhatsApp groups operating within Zimbabwe’s borders are now forced to register and secure a license from the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ).

The new controversial licensing requirement, outlined at a recent POTRAZ breakfast meeting, set the minimum cost for a license at $50, with fees going up to US$2,500 depending on the type of WhatsApp group.

The move has ostensibly been necessitated by the need to tighten data security and privacy for all citizens.

Information Communications Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Tatenda Mavetera, said all WhatsApp group administrators will soon be required to register and obtain a license from POTRAZ to operate their groups.

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In addition to getting a license, WhatsApp group admins will be required to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) trained and certified by POTRAZ.

This move is intended to ensure compliance with Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Act, which governs the handling of personal information.

Under the Act, personal data is defined as any information that can be used to directly or indirectly identify a person. Since WhatsApp group admins have access to members’ phone numbers, the government argues that these groups fall under data protection regulations.

Mavetera noted that the latest development would affect not only businesses, but also community organisations, churches, and any other groups that collect personal data

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“Even churches who collect personal data ought to have such a license and appoint a DPO,” Mavetera said.

Those found in violation of the fresh clampdown measures risk penalties, jail time, or both.

The new controversial policy, which comes against a backdrop of growing use of the popular social media application to stir political debates as President Emmerson Mnangagwa is locked in a power tussle with his deputy Constantino Chiwenga, is seen as an infringement on citizens’ right to free speech and association.

Zimbabwe joins a growing number of countries gravitating towards shutting digital spaces amid growing dissent and anger against the ruling Zanu PF party.

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Kaduna Electric workers’ unions agree to restore power immediately

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The management of Kaduna Electric has agreed to review its past actions after the two in-house labour unions promised to restore electricity to Kaduna State and all its franchise States with immediate effect.

The resolutions were reached after Governor Uba Sani convened a meeting, which ended around 8pm with both parties on Friday at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.

The labour unions of Kaduna Electric embarked on industrial action since last Sunday, following the decision of  the management to sack 444 workers, plunging Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States to darkness.

At the end of the meeting which lasted into Friday night, Governor Uba Sani promised to be the guarantor as he would ensure fairness to both sides after the parties agreed to  sit down and take a joint decision.

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‘’The unions praised the Governor for his intervention. They  also commended  the Management, ably led by Dr Hashidu, for moving Kaduna Electric forward,’’ the resolution stated.

The unions also ‘’noted that the Management is operating under stringent conditions, given the prevailing economic situation in the country but promised to help it to succeed.’’

The parties also noted that the  Management of Kaduna Electric and the labour unions are partners in progress, adding that  what happened was as  a result of a  breakdown in communication.

The meeting also argued that ‘’there must be a give-and-take on the side of both the Management and Labour in order to find an amicable settlement of the dispute.’’

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The resolution  was signed by  Dr Umar Abubakar Hashidu, the Managing Director of the electricity company, Comrade Wisdom Nwachukwu, the Vice President(Distribution) of National Union of Electricity Employees(NUEE), Comrade Rilwanu Shehu, Deputy President North of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC).

Other union members that signed the resolution include Comrade Muhammed Musa, Deputy President North  of NUEE and     Comrade Haruna Ahmed Tinau, Deputy Secretary General(North).

Engr Idris Ahmed Idris, the Managing Director of Kaduna Power Supply Company also signed the resolution.

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NNPCL: No explosion at Warri Refinery

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), yesterday, said there was no explosion at the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC).

Its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr Olufemi Soneye disclosed this in a rejoinder which stressed that any contrary report was utterly false.

Soneye said routine maintenance was in progress in the plant.

The statement said, “NNPC Ltd wishes to clarify that there was no explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). Any reports suggesting otherwise are completely false.”

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NNPCL recalled that on January 25, 2025, operations at WRPC Area 1 were intentionally curtailed to carry out necessary intervention works on select equipment, including field instruments that were impacting sustainable and steady operations.

According to the statement, “The intervention works are essential to ensure the production of on specification finished and intermediate products, particularly Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Kerosene (Kero).”

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List of countries every Nigerian can visit without a visa in 2025

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Nigerian passport holders can travel to 45 countries worldwide without needing a visa, according to a recent travel update.

This offers a convenient option for those looking to travel without the hassle of visa applications.

Of these 45 countries, 27 allow visa-free entry, while others provide options like visa-on-arrival or require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The entry requirements vary by country, making international travel easier for Nigerians.

This update, sourced from Visaindex, highlights the growing opportunities for Nigerian citizens.

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With access to countries across different continents, Nigerians can travel for tourism, business, or family visits with less red tape.

The Gambia

In 2019, The Gambia declared itself a visa-free zone for all African travelers. The policy extends to visitors from Commonwealth nations, the European Union, and even select Baltic states. This openness has significantly boosted tourism and trade in the West African nation.

Benin

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Inspired by Rwanda’s openness, President Patrice Talon announced in 2019 that Benin would eliminate visa restrictions for all Africans. This decision has strengthened Benin’s position as a hub for West African commerce and travel.

Kenya

In October 2023, Kenyan President William Ruto declared that by the end of the year, Kenya would eliminate visa restrictions for all African travelers. The goal? To enhance trade, strengthen economic ties, and position Kenya as a leader in African interconnectivity.

Rwanda

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In November 2023, Rwanda announced its visa-free entry policy for all African nationals. President Paul Kagame emphasized that any African could now travel to Rwanda without paying a fee, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a top tourist destination in Africa.

Ghana

Ghana recently joined the ranks of visa-free African nations, opening its doors to travelers from across the continent. This decision aligns with Ghana’s vision of becoming a major hub for trade, investment, and tourism in West Africa. The move is expected to attract business professionals, entrepreneurs, and tourists alike, strengthening Ghana’s economic position.

Barbados

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Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Chad

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Cook Islands

Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Dominica

Fiji

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Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Haiti

Kiribati

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Liberia

Mali

Micronesia

Montserrat

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Niger

Rwanda

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Senegal

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Sierra Leone

Togo

Vanuatu

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